Malik needs time - Misbah

Misbah-ul-Haq has called for Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik to be given time to develop in the role.

Pakistan captain given support from the ranks

Misbah-ul-Haq has called for Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik to be given time to develop in the role. Malik, 25, has led his country to one-day and Test defeats against South Africa and India since succeeding Inzamam-ul-Haq as skippper. But middle-order batsman Misbah - one of the few to excel during the 1-0 Test series defeat in India - feels Malik's leadership is worth persevering with. "Malik is a young captain and he will take some time to learn the ropes," said Misbah. "Like everyone else he will learn from his mistakes but needs time to prove himself. "I would back Malik and say he must be given time to settle down. He needs the support of everyone at this stage." Misbah scored 464 runs in six innings during the three Tests in India but was not surprised by his good form. "I was ready for the pressure tour and playing in the tense Twenty20 World Cup matches helped me prepare for the Indian tour," he added. "I now just want to carry on playing in the same way."