Misbah-ul-Haq Determined to Play on For Pakistan Till 2017 Tour of Australia
Misbah-ul-Haq, who will turn 42 in April, will skipper the Pakistan team which will play four Tests in England in July-August.
Highlights
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Misbah-ul-Haq will be turning 42 in May
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Misbah has played 61 Tests for Pakistan
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Pakistan will play 4 Tests in England in July-August
Ageing Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday confirmed he will not only lead his side in their four-match series in England this summer, but is determined to play on until next year's tour of Australia. (Misbah-ul-Haq Expresses Disappointment Over Being Sidelined In Bangladesh Premier League)
He is Pakistan's most successful Test captain, having led his country to 20 wins, 11 draws and 11 defeats in his 42 matches in charge -- a better record than the legendary Imran Khan. (Misbah-ul-Haq Praises Pakistan Super League, Says It Will Revive Team's Fortunes in Twenty20)
But his desire to continue has been in doubt since Pakistan's 2-0 win over England last November, with doubts over his hunger to continue compounded by a calf injury in January that flared up during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) a month later. (Waqar Younis Resigns as Pakistan Cricket Coach)
Speaking to AFP, Misbah, who turns 42 next month, said he had now made up his mind and was determined to play on, pending form and fitness. (Misbah-ul-Haq Wants to Continue as Pakistan Test Skipper Till England Tour)
"I am working on my fitness. I am trying to get a contract with a county so that I can get some practice ahead of the England tour but if that doesn't come through then I will be touring England with Pakistan A ahead of the four Tests to get acclimatised," he told AFP.
Pakistan's second string will play four-day matches with county teams in June before the national team contests two three-day practice matches against Somerset and Sussex counties.
The first of four Tests will start at Lord's from July 14.
Surprisingly, Misbah has not played a single Test in England during a 61-match career and the fast paced tracks are expected to Test the reflexes of the veteran.
"I know it's a big challenge so I am doing the best preparations for the tour and realise the strength of the opposition. After the England tour I am planning to play until the Australia tour as there is not that much gap between the two series. All my plans are related to fitness and form and that's my priority," said Misbah.
Pakistan will play two Tests against the West Indies in September and October followed by two Tests in New Zealand (November) and three in Australia (December-January 2017).