Misbahul Haq unfazed by 'sack talk'

Pakistan’s head coach Misbahul Haq, who was recently replaced as the chief selector of the national side, claimed that he was not concerned by the talk about him being sacked after the Men in Green’s recent series loss in New Zealand, while talking at a virtual press conference in Rawalpindi.

The 46-year-old stated that he was focused on Pakistan’s second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

“I am not concerned by all the talk [about him being sacked] that was happening after the New Zealand series. My complete focus is on the Rawalpindi Test,” Misbah said.

“The Pakistan team performed in tough circumstances in the Karachi Test. The conditions in Rawalpindi will be different. We will try to not repeat the mistakes we have made in the past. South Africa is a great side and has the ability to fight back. We will be trying to win the Rawalpindi Test and the series. We will make changes if required after looking at the pitch,” he added.

The head coach praised the improvements made by fast-bowler Haris Rauf while pointing out that South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi could pose a big threat for Pakistan in the second Test.

“Haris Rauf is bowling really well and bowling 14 overs [on the trot]. He is improving as a bowler. The pitch in Rawalpindi was very green during first-class cricket. It seems that the pitch might be really dry when we eventually play though,” he said.

“Tabraiz Shamsi is a wrist spinner which could prove very effective in dry conditions. Our team played spin really well in Karachi and we will try to replicate that in our next match as well,” he added.

The Men in Green will take on South Africa in the second Test which will begin on February 4 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series at 1-0 and would be itching to come away with a series victory on home soil.