Dibyangshu Sarkar—AFP
Captain says he wants to continue playing domestic, English county matches.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said Sunday he hopes to stay in the view of selectors and prolong his Test career by playing in domestic matches and possibly for an English county.
After Pakistan’s proposed series against India recently fell though, 41-year-old Haq has played first-class matches for Sui Northern Gas in Karachi, which he believes was necessary to keep his hand in.
“I am looking at my Test career,” Haq told AFP. “If I am in the ground it’s obvious that I am playing competitive cricket, so I have that in mind to play [the] series in England.”
Pakistan tours England for four Tests in July next year. “But there is still some time left, so mentally and physically I am getting ready and keeping myself motivated,” said Haq, who retired from Twenty20 cricket in 2012 and one-days earlier this year. He added that he was trying to play for a county in England.
“I am making an effort so that if I play in those conditions [for a county], it will help me because I have not played Tests in England so it would be good if I get that opportunity,” said Haq, who expressed disappointment at not being able to play against India. “Not playing India is disappointing because when we play against an Asian team, especially India, they test us well so its disappointing for players on both the sides and fans.”
Haq termed Pakistan’s Test showings in 2015 as “satisfying.”
“It was a good year as far as Tests were concerned,” he said of Pakistan’s Test series wins against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and England. “We were not able [previously] to win a Test series in Sri Lanka so this time around we managed a good result,” said Haq of Pakistan’s 2-1 win in July. “England has always been special and they gave us [a] tough fight so this series win was very satisfying,” said Haq, who hoped his team would do well on away tours next year.
Pakistan also tours Australia later next year.
Haq said Pakistan must play more one-day matches to lift performance in the limited over matches. “Our boys are good but with less one-day cricket they are not able to express themselves and lift the team.”