‘Exceptional’ Pakistan skipper heads home
Pakistan have been dealt a major blow ahead of the second test, starting on Friday, with veteran skipper Misbah-ul-haq flying home.
Misbah left for Pakistan yesterday to be with his critically ill father-inlaw, who has been admitted to intensive care.
He received the news before day four’s play yesterday, where Pakistan were beaten by eight wickets in the first test.
Pakistan vice captain Azhar Ali, who will skipper the side in Misbah’s absence, said it was a huge setback for the second test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
‘‘He’s been exceptional through the years and we’ll miss him definitely,’’ Azhar said.
Options to replace the 42-yearold Misbah include Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Rizwan, who are both yet to play a test, but have featured in limited overs cricket.
Misbah top-scored in Pakistan’s first innings with 31 and notched 13 in the second dig.
Opener Azhar described the Hagley wicket as the most seamerfriendly he had encountered in his 53-test career.
Pakistan’s first test preparations were not helped by their three-day warm-up match against New Zealand A in Nelson, being washed out without a ball being bowled.
Azhar said Pakistan’s batsmen knew what kind of pitch they could expect in Hamilton and needed to knuckle down and show greater resolve.
He credited New Zealand’s pace attack, who were outstanding in both innings and gave them very few easy deliveries to score off.
Pakistan’s top six contributed just 188 runs in both innings with the highest score of the match made by No 9 Sohail Khan, who hit a test-best of 40.
‘‘As a batting unit, we need to put up a better show,’’ Azhar said.
‘‘We are capable of that and all the top six have done it in the past. They know how to play long innings.’’