Misbah-ul-Haq still unsure on his retirement plans

Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq stated that he is still undecided on his retirement plans and he will take a call on his own after deciding his effectiveness as a captain and player for the team. He also revealed that he might not announce his retirement beforehand and he can actually retire whenever he wanted as he wasn’t too keen on a farewell.

In April last year, Misbah had hinted the Australian tour might well be his last but his fitness helped him to captain his side in the next three series against England, West Indies and New Zealand. He had recently missed the Hamilton Test against New Zealand as his father-in-law passed away but he was also suspended by the ICC for his side’s slow over rate in the 1st Test at Christchurch. Misbah in all probabilities will fly straight to Australia to captain his side in the three-Test series.

The veteran Pakistani is well aware of the fact that age is not by his side but his penchant for playing for Pakistan is still there. “I am at a certain stage of my career where I only think what I can give back to my team,” Misbah told ESPNcricinfo. “I am thinking but haven’t reached any conclusion, but my whole thought process is all about the team – if they can move on without me or not. And how I can do more as a senior to inspire and make this team stand on its own.

“I do believe these boys have the capability to take responsibility and can deliver. So I am actually thinking if it’s a good to leave at this stage. But this is a decision I want to take on my own and I don’t think I need to pre-announce it. I don’t think that it is necessary for me to mark any series my last but I can take it any time without even having a farewell. I don’t have to make my retirement plan a big issue by beating drums all over.”

As per reports PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan requested Misbah to continue playing beyond the Australia series though Misbah clarified it was solely his own decision and it had nothing to do with his request. PCB wants Misbah to lead Pakistan until they find another vice-captain.

“Both Azhar and Sarfraz Ahmed are good choices but the former’s batting suffers whenever he leads the side,” Khan said recently. “Allrounder Imad Wasim can also be a candidate as he has impressed the PCB with his ability to handle pressure at crucial stages of matches.”

Pakistan became the No.1 Test team very recently but couldn’t hold onto their numero uno status for long after losing a Test to West Indies in Sharjah followed by the 2-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand. Pakistan has never won a Test series in Australia since 52 years and has lost all three Tests in their last three tours in 1999, 2004 and 2009 respectively.

Misbah also stated that the team chosen for the Australian tour was a “winning squad”.

“The alarming situation is that our main batsmen are out of form. Otherwise these boys have beaten England in their own conditions,” he said. “In New Zealand, we were not able to get time to adjust and the pitches were all in favour of bowlers. Even the New Zealand batsmen struggled most of the time because conditions were unplayable. But in Australia, you have a lot of opportunities to score runs and you either get out or play your strokes.

“It’s not like we are not capable enough to compete against Australia in Australia. We are. Yes, we are low on confidence after losing three straight Tests and it’s tough to regather ourselves but we have to and we will. Our batsmen have done it in the past, our bowlers are good but they need to be pushed hard and they have to take responsibility. So, overall this team has everything you need to win a game and I am sure we are very much capable.”