Misbah-ul-Haq undecided about retirement

Misbah-ul-Haq undecided about retirement
by Cricbuzz Staff •

Last updated on Sat, 07 Jan, 2017, 04:11 PM

Misbah had hinted at retirement at the end of the second game.

Pakistan put up a disappointing show in the third and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground to lose the game by 220 runs and slip to a 0-3 series defeat on Saturday (January 7).

Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, hung around for a while before he was dismissed for 38 by Steve O'Keefe. In fact, for the second time in two matches, the veteran batsman played a poor shot to lose his wicket. He ended the series with just 76 runs at 12.66.

With Pakistan slipping to their 12th consecutive loss in Australia in Tests, there were speculations whether Misbah would quit international cricket. However, the 42-year-old observed that as their next Test series against West Indies starts only in March-April, he has enough time to think about taking a call on his future in international cricket. Misbah is also set to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he is captaining the Islamabad United side.

"About my future, there is a fair bit of time," he stated. "We go back [to Pakistan], there is a bit of time off, there is a month in which this ODI series happens. Then there is the PSL [Pakistan Super League, where he is captaining the defending champions Islamabad United]. So I think there is time to sit down easily and think about whatever decision I am going to make."

Misbah also pointed out that as he couldn't attune to the different conditions in Australia quickly, he was low on confidence.

"In cricket, confidence plays a huge role," he said. "If you are scoring runs and get a good start, then it is easier for you. When you come to new conditions, the first few innings are very important. It didn't happen here.

"In New Zealand also there weren't runs. I think that shortage of confidence stayed through the series. When you get under pressure, you make these mistakes, you make these decisions to hit shots that you shouldn't hit. That was there throughout."

Earlier, after Pakistan had hurtled to an innings and 18-run defeat in the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 42-year-old had said that he was uncertain about his future.

© Cricbuzz

Ho hum... ::confused::