Lockdown does help in bringing players closer: Misbah

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq expects his charges to put up a good show during their upcoming white-ball series against England, while saying the players have gelled because of staying in biosecure bubbles due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"This [lockdown] does help in bringing together everyone close and we've had fair share of bubbles since last year when we visited England [for three Tests and two Twenty20s] and stayed at Old Trafford [Manchester] and Ageas Bowl [Southampton]," Misbah said while addressing the first virtual media conference after reaching Derby.

"Obviously the advantage of these scenarios benefited the squad of players and management, and do whatever you wish, having food together, spending time in the team's common room and practising together. The entire group is just a big family these days.

"At the same time the drawback of this [bubble] life is that you are cut off from the outside world which includes our families and other people who in normal circumstances can be a source of distraction. Overall, I can say the whole experience can be chastening mentally at times," the former Pakistan captain added. "But probably at the back of my mind, I would like to be in the lockdown."

Pakistan will take Eoin Morgan's World Cup champions in three One-day Interna tionals - Cardiff (July 8), Lord's (July 10) and Edgbaston (July 13) - before the two teams play three Twenty20 Internationals (Trent Bridge, July 16), Headingley (July 18) and Old Trafford (July 20). Unlike last year when all matches were played behind closed doors, the British government has eased Covid-19 restrictions to allow 50pc spectators.