Misbah-ul-Haq braced to help Pakistan take on England in Test series
Wednesday 13 July 2016 17:32, UK
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is fired up to help steer Pakistan against England in the Investec Test series, which gets going on Thursday at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports.
The 42-year-old is ready to steady his team's ship in the wake of the 2010 spot-fixing crisis and misdeeds of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt.
With Amir back at Lord's on Thursday for his first Test since his teenage misdemeanours, Misbah remains determined to lead from the front in what he sees as an hour of need.
"My retirement has been discussed every series," he said.
"I could have retired after the UAE against England last winter - but we've been playing together for six years.
"I really have to take the initiative and come here as captain and batsman also to face this challenge. I decided I need to be here in a tough series for Pakistan, and I really want to do well here."
He has earned his longevity with a weight of runs too, taking him close to 4,500 runs in his 61 Tests, and is looking forward to playing at Lord's.
"There are no nerves yet," he said. "That's something you always wait for. It's a big occasion - everyone wants to play at Lord's, just to perform well here and get the respect of every spectator and supporter.
"These opportunities give you the chance to prove yourself."
The bigger picture remains most important to him.
"If you analyse what we did in the last six years, it's overall discipline, belief - consistently playing the same team," he said.
"We missed bowlers - but Yasir Shah came in, and they've been outstanding. With the batting line-up, it's discipline."
Watch England v Pakistan on Sky Sports 2 HD. Coverage begins at 10am on Thursday. Or watch from £6.99 on NOW TV, no contract
