Team doors not closed for Misbah: Intikhab

Karachi:

Out-of-favour Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq on Friday got some support from coach Intikhab Alam who feels the much-needed break would do a world of good to the right-hander in his bid for a comeback in the national team.

Intikhab said by no means the 35-year-old's career was over as he has plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket.

"Misbah is still a very good batsman and we don't hold his age against him. The doors of Pakistan team are not closed on him. He can definitely make a comeback for the tour of Australia later this year," he said

"I think this break will do him a lot of good and he can recharge himself for international cricket.

"He remains a fine player and if he continues to perform well in domestic cricket he can comeback in the team," he added.

The national selectors yesterday dropped Misbah from all the three Pakistan squads announced for the series of four ODIs and two Twenty20 matches against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from November 3 and for the Test tour of New Zealand immediately after the Emirates rubber.

The senior batsman, however, expressed shock over the selectors decision and vowed to make a comeback even if age is not on his side.

A day after his axing, a determined Misbah answered his critics in style, scoring a mammoth 284 runs on Friday in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The Pakistan coach also made it clear no player can take his place for guaranteed in the team and whoever performs consistently in domestic cricket would be given a chance under rotation policy.

He also rejected suggestions that Younus Khan had a role to play in Misbah's omission from the team as the captain was not happy with the right-handed batsman's behavior and attitude.

Intikhab said they was such problem in the team and Misbah had always been a good team-man.

Asked about the meeting between Younus and vice-captain Shahid Afridi to clear their misunderstandings, he said he was not aware of any such development.

"But if such a meeting has taken place it is a good thing. I always believe that keeping communication open between members of the team is always a healthy sign," he added.

Intikhab also expressed satisfaction with the squads announced for the New Zealand series.

"We have a good side and we have some quality players and I am confident we will do well.

"The fact that we have done well in two major ICC events this year is a good sign by itself," he said.