Friday, December 23, 2011

Confident Misbah ready for England


Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, said on Friday his team flying high can beat England - around the world test of leadership - when they meet next year, believing that his side is unstoppable in its present form.

Pakistan returned home on Friday after two Twenty20s routing Bangladesh in three one-day international and two tests, ending the year with five wins and without losing a test series, both in five-day matches and limited overs.

They now take on England over three tests, four days and three games in a Twenty20 United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a series starting next month.

Misbah said that England will be a real test for his side, who are now fifth in the ranking test.

"The series against England is important and very difficult," Misbah told reporters.

"England is the world's best team, but in the form of the current test, we can beat any team to keep fit and coordination that has shown this year."

Since taking over as Test captain in 2010 after a scandal at the site of fixation, which resulted in prison sentences for players Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif, Misbah lead Pakistan in 13 Tests.

Misbah, who led Pakistan to six wins, six draws and one defeat, said his team must improve to beat England.

"Despite achieving some good results still need to overcome some of the mistakes we made and the management and the players are determined to overcome them because England will be very difficult," said Misbah.

"Our goals were on tour Bangladesh to maintain consistency in our performance, to overcome some of the mistakes and improve our rankings and we can," said Misbah.

Pakistan also beat the highest ranked Sri Lanka 1-0 in Tests and 4-1 in one day in the UAE in October-November.

Misbah said his team has gel in relation to last year.

"The best part about this team is that we have a good coordination between the seniors and juniors, the team is helping the players and each and every player performs his duty and that will help us against England," said Misbah.

Pakistan will once again rely on the interim coach Mohsin Khan after failing to find a permanent replacement for Waqar Younis who resigned in September citing health problems.

"Now, win over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are part of the story," said Khan. "We have to start again against England and need to raise our game, because the next opponents are very strong and classified a number of the world."

The first test between Pakistan and England begins in Dubai on January 17

No comments:

Post a Comment