Misbah optimistic ‘other players will rise to the occasion’ in Babar’s absence

He also opened up about Pakistan’s T20I series loss against New Zealand

PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Pakistan Head Coach Misbahul Haq is optimistic that other players in the squad will rise to the occasion after it was confirmed that skipper Babar Azam will not feature in the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand.

Babar, the team’s star batsman, had fractured his right thumb a day after opener Imamul Haq had fractured his left thumb during training sessions in Queenstown last week. Both are yet to return to nets with the team’s medical staff closely monitoring their progress.

Decision on their participation in the second Test, which commences in Christchurch on January 3, will be made closer to the time.

“Although it will be nearly two weeks to Babar’s injury when the first Test starts, it will be hard on him and the team to play him without any net sessions. I remain confident and optimistic that other players will rise to the occasion in Mount Maunganui and use the opportunity to rise to the occasion and put the disappointment of the T20I series behind them,” Misbah was quoted as saying by pcb.com.pk.

“Contrary to the T20I side, the Test side appears to be pretty organised and we boast some experienced cricketers, both in batting and bowling departments. With some competitive cricket on the tour now under the belt, I am hoping we will be a better outfit in the longer version of the game,” he added.

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He also opened up about Pakistan’s T20I series loss against New Zealand, where the home side have an unassailable two-nil lead with a game to spare.

“It is disappointing to lose the T20I series against a well-settled New Zealand side, who utilised their resources and conditions to their advantage. We need to up skill and improve our individual and team performances, including in Tuesday’s match, and the sooner we get these sorted the better it will be in term of player confidences and team results as 2021 will not be any easier as we have two major events,” he concluded.