Misbah-ul-Haq not thinking about retirement despite adverse results

Misbah-ul-Haq has been in the news of late following a few series of sweeping statements regarding his retirement from all forms of cricket. Of course, it is only natural that someone at the age of 42 will be on a slightly shorter rope given his age, but Misbah has seemingly proved his fitness time and again.

However, in spite of retirement talk, the 42-year old has stated that he is more interested in the matters at hand, and those matters being the third and final Test match against the Australians in Sydney.

Misbah began his response to his retirement calls in a way only he can do, by calmly wishing one and all a very happy new year. He also went on to add that the fight was something he relished in recent times. “That was 2016 — now it´s 2017,” he told reporters. “That is gone, that is gone. You have to fight as a sportsman and that’s important for me also.

The 42-year old also went on to thank one and all for their contribution to the team as well as the fact that they had supported him and managed to keep him fit no matter what. “I´m happy that I´ve got a very good family, all the team. The way they supported me (was appreciated). Everyone, from the support staff to the players — and they´re up for that (fight), so I´m also up. I need to play at my best.”

Finally, the Pakistan skipper went on to speak about the final encounter between the Aussies and his side at the iconic and historic Sydney Cricket Ground. He believed that the pitch would play a crucial role in proceedings. “Traditionally, Sydney is a bit different. It all depends on the final look of the pitch,” he said.