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Misbah-ul-Haq confident of Pakistan's chances against England in UAE

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-haq is confident of his side’s chances against England in the upcoming Test series in the UAE but is not expecting another series whitewash like the last time the two sides met in 2012.

Faced with the prospect of a resurgent England, Misbah expects a very different challenge from Alastair Cook’s men to that of the side led by Andrew Strauss that was blown away by Pakistan three years ago.

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“It’s a new series, we have to play three more Test matches,” said Misbah at a press conference at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a different England team, obviously we’re confident and playing good cricket but at the same time England is also playing good cricket.

“We need to focus on our basics and we really need to work hard. That is what we’re looking for. We’re not just looking at the results. We’ll definitely go day by day, session by session.”

In that series three years ago, Misbah’s charges dismantled England in dominant fashion, largely down to the brilliance of Saeed Ajmal.

In the absence of Ajmal, Misbah once again has a spin ace up his sleeve, with leggie Yasir Shah coming into the series after a remarkable 12 months in Test cricket.

While acknowledging that Shah will play a pivotal role in his side’s chances of success, Misbah is adamant that all of his bowlers will need to chip in over the course of the three Tests.

“The way he is bowling, I think [Yasir] is a threat to every team,” Misbah added.

“Obviously, England knows that and we also know that he is our strength.

“At the same time, I think it’s about all bowlers. They all have to play their role.

“To win a Test match or series you can’t just only focus on one bowler. It’s a team effort, as a team you have to really perform well.

“We know Yasir is our strength but also our fast bowlers will definitely play a key role here with the new ball, especially in Abu Dhabi.”

Shoaib Malik returns to the Pakistan Test side after a five year absence.
Shoaib Malik returns to the Pakistan Test side after a five year absence.

Backing up Shah is likely to be the returning Shoaib Malik, the off-spinner coming back into the Test fold after a five year absence.

Malik is expected to fill the role of Mohammed Hafeez who is currently suspended from bowling due to an illegal action, offering both variety in the bowling department and relief for the attack, in the brutal heat of the Emirates.

Misbah is also confident that 33-year-old Malik can make an impression against England’s many left-handers in their batting order.

"It is pretty clear [Malik] is playing really well and in good form,” said Misbah.

“He is here especially for his bowling, because before that Hafeez was doing that for us and with England having four or five left-handers in their lineup we just thought about that and another option of off-spin, especially with the kind of form he is in.

“In this sort of heat you need another bowler so I think that is a plus for us.”

The first Test starts in Abu Dhabi on October 13.


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