Misbah-ul-Haq warns Pakistan hard work starts now against England
Friday 22 July 2016 16:33, UK
Misbah-ul-Haq expects a "bigger challenge" in the second Test against England at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports, from Friday.
Yasir Shah starred with the ball during Pakistan's 75-run first Test success at Lord's and Misbah, who made a century in the first innings last week, says his side are ready to withstand England's attempt to fight back.
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He anticipates the hosts, reinforced by the returns of James Anderson and Ben Stokes from injury, may be harder nuts to crack in Manchester.
"We don't disrespect the opposition, they're a fine team and we know their strengths," said the veteran captain.
"This is a bigger challenge for us, in the coming game."
Misbah celebrated his 10th Test century, and Pakistan's victory, with salutes and press-ups as a homage to the team-building effects of Pakistan's pre-tour army boot camp near Karachi.
England could only stand and watch in disappointment as the tourists enacted their unique victory ceremony, one which Misbah insists was merely to mark their own solidarity with the soldiers who had trained them, with no intention to goad the opposition.
"The celebrations were nothing to do with England, it was only a gesture for those we worked with," he said. "We always respect the opposition and we don't want to do celebrations for them.
"We fully respect them and we have to really work hard in next three Tests. We're ready for that."
Misbah is confident Pakistan have the skills to prosper again, in particular Yasir, who will be fit despite taking a blow to the shoulder in net practice at Old Trafford, on Wednesday.
"It doesn't matter which ground we're playing at," said Misbah. "If a bowler is really good, he can produce results anywhere.
"He bowled beautifully at Lord's - (but) we all need to bowl well, not just Yasir. It's all about how you apply yourself, (to) overcome mistakes of the previous Test.
"Every game (you) have to adjust, and that could sometimes be a challenge when you're a little bit down and short on confidence - but international players can do that.
"We have to be ready for that. If they play Yasir well, we should have other plans.
"They can try to attack Yasir - it's up to them what they want to do. Stokes can give a lot of strength to the England side, he's played some good knocks in the previous two series. We have to be ready for that challenge, and Yasir knows that."
England may yet deploy a duel-spin option of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, another eventuality which does not appear to be worrying Misbah.
"If there are two spinners, then we have to play well - as we did [against England last winter] in the UAE," he added.
"Adil got five wickets in the first Test (there), so we respect whoever is playing."
Misbah took significant toll of Moeen's off-breaks in his century, only to hole out in the leg-side deep off him for a duck second time round at Lord's.
"I back my ability to attack spinners, use my sweeps," he said. "He was bowling okay, but I took my chances and that paid off in the first innings ... (in the) second innings, he got me out."
