Defiant Misbah down but not out

Pakistan’s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq will continue his dual role even after the team’s miserable performances during the initial stages of his tenure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no immediate plans for a change in this regard. The former captain is also not ready to give up just yet.

Most critics have blamed Misbah and his strategies for Pakistan’s miserable performance in the recently concluded Twenty 20 International (T20I) and Test series in Australia.

According to sources, the (PCB)'s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wasim Khan appointed Misbah for the dual role after consultations with the Chairman of the PCB Ehsan Mani and the duo are still confident that Misbah's Pakistan will come good in the future.

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On the other hand, Misbah also believes the Men in Green can slowly turn the tide and deliver match-winning performances. According to sources within the team, the recent losses in Australia were a major source of disappointment for the head coach-cum-chief selector but he did not give off the impression that he was ready to let go of either one of his dual roles.

Sources within the team also claimed that he was angry with the senior batsmen in the side and their ability to turn good starts into longer innings. Misbah was also unhappy with the performance of the bowling attack.

The most frustrating element for Misbah was that his plans were not implemented on the field. He had not faced as much pressure as a captain that he has already faced in his current role.

Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis has been observing these matters from the sidelines. He had earlier blamed the non-inclusion of pacer Mohammad Abbas, in the first Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, on Misbah. However, the bowler’s performance throughout the series has left Younis frustrated as well.