Misbah-ul-Haq recollects the dramatic run of Pakistan

Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq recollected his run as the captain, who took over the captaincy in 2010 after the spot-fixing saga. He cherished the run as they are currently ranked no.1 in Test cricket.

“It is an unbelievable feeling to know that in six years we have reached the summit; a feeling of immense pleasure and satisfaction,” he said.

Pakistan had a good Test series against England in England as they squared the series 2-2. Pakistan started off the series with a win at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. England bounced back in the next two Test matches at Old Trafford and Birmingham to lead the series 2-1. Pakistan played some really good cricket in the 4th and final Test match at the Oval to draw the series 2-2, which saw a brilliant double-century from the veteran Younis Khan.

Misbah said that the fighting spirit showed by the side was unprecedented. “In the past, there have been instances when we have succumbed under pressure after heavy defeats but we have changed this trend now,” he said.

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A fifth Test would have been ideal to have a winner in the series. With the kind of fighting spirit from both the teams, a draw was unlikely to happen. “I even jokingly suggested to Alastair Cook that we play a decider, to which he said, ‘You must be wanting it at Lord’s or The Oval?’, and my response was, ‘No, we can beat you at Old Trafford and Edgbaston, too’.”

It is just like winning a World Cup:

Congratulations to whole nation and especially team Pakistan including everyone who is associated with the team in any capacity #No1TestTeam

— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) August 23, 2016

Misbah said that topping the ranking charts was like winning a World Cup for your country. He said that the number one ranking was in the mind of each player and it motivated them a lot.

However, he admitted that it will be challenging to hold the number one rank. Pakistan will have to do well in the upcoming series against West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia. “The tours to New Zealand and Australia will be difficult,” he said.

We have done it but we need to do a lot more to maintain it. Tough tasks ahead. #No1TestTeam

— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) August 23, 2016

“When we came to England there were talks about the home team winning it 3-0 or 4-0 but against all odds we squared the series 2-2 and proved our worth. We aim to prove it in the next series, too. The onus is on us stay at number one,” he concluded on a positive note.