Pakistan’s Test captain, Misbah-ul-haq, wants to be in the best possible shape for his side’s summer challenge in England and will even turn up for the ‘A’ side to prepare for it.
Misbah, 42, has also hinted that he may continue on until the Australia series which begins in December, in order to ‘groom’ the young batsmen who will eventually be taking his place.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity to play county cricket but I am planning to go England with few of our boys before the tour to play some practice matches adapt in the condition there. I have the one-day cup, conditioning camps and A-team tour ahead so I am looking forward. It has been very tough being idle but I made my mind up to play the England series,” Misbah told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview.
Pakistan have no international action until the July tour of England which will be followed by a series against West Indies and New Zealand and culminate with three Tests and six ODIs against Australia.
Misbah, who retired from ODIs and T20s after the 2015 World Cup, last turned up for Pakistan in a Test in November 2015 and has had long lay off after his plans to play county cricket did not materialise.
He is solely focussed on contributing to the Pakistan team in the upcoming series and also to create an environment where the transition period after his departure is smooth.
“All you think is positive and I want to contribute and this is why I am planning to play a certain length of time so that youngsters are ready to take my place. I hope by the time I leave, the Pakistan Test team is in safe hands and standing solidly on their own feet. If the team remains intact, when a new captain replaces me it shouldn’t feel any different.”
“Although I am certain about my will of playing all the series it will also be subject to my form and fitness as if it goes down then I will walk away rather than being a burden on the team.”
