Sport | Cricket
Batsmen mature around 30: Misbah
Pakistan vice captain Mizbah-ul-Haq fervently hopes that Australia's tour of his country in March goes ahead as planned.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:08 February 18, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Pakistan vice captain Mizbah-ul-Haq fervently hopes that Australia's tour of his country in March goes ahead as planned.
The 33-year-old Misbah, who fought his way back into the Pakistan team with a gusto some time back, is here in the UAE at the invitation of Geo TV, for whom he did the morning show with Nadia Khan yesterday and will also be part of an Election special today.
"It is very important for Australia to come and play in Pakistan and for that, the elections have to pass off peacefully. They are the world's number one team and when such a team plays in a country, it also gives a chance to the current players to gauge their standard. A good showing or a win will be a big boost for the game in Pakistan," he said, speaking to Gulf News yesterday.
After his Test debut in 2001 and the one-day debut the next year, Misbah hit a rough patch and was out of favour by 2004. However, the Twenty20 World Cup last year saw him getting a call-up and since then he has grown in stature. "Yes, the Twenty20 was the turning point but prior to that, I had a few very good domestic seasons. I was always among the top five batsmen at the domestic level but, more importantly, I always kept myself fit, looking forward to a call-up," said Misbah.
Like Michael Hussey of Australia, Misbah has been a late bloomer who hit form in the 30s. "I feel a batsman matures around 30. By then, he has played about six or seven seasons and is ready to display his best."
Dream series
Capping his comeback with a dream series against India, Misbah's cool-headed approach in tough situations has also catapulted him to the vice-captaincy while there are often calls to replace the young incumbent Shoaib Malek with Misbah. "I feel for anyone who is made captain, enough time should be given. Captains in the subcontinent need more time to adjust and deliver," he said..
Commenting on the recent crackdown on indiscipline by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Misbah felt it was a welcome move. "Now everyone in the squad knows that there is a limit and anyone crossing that could pay a huge price."
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