Published: May 11, 2017, 07:16 PM (IST)
Edited: May 11, 2017, 07:20 PM (IST)
Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan are currently playing the last Test of their respective careers, against West Indies at Roseau. These two iconic players have not only resurrected Pakistani cricket but have also taken it to unprecedented highs. Their contributions saw Pakistan reaching the top spot in ICC Test rankings last year in England. Despite spot-fixing controversy rocking Pakistan and world cricket, Misbah and Younis stood strong to hold the fort and led Pakistan’s revival. The players who are currently a part of Pakistan’s Test side, have agreed to the fact that without these two stalwarts, Pakistan cricket would find it difficult.
As these two players get set to bid adieu to the highest level of cricket, current players spoke about what they learned from these two and what will be next for Pakistan cricket. Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq spoke about how this pair played a crucial role in his development as a player. According to ESPNCricinfo, Shafiq was quoted as saying, “Under Misbah’s captaincy, the atmosphere in the dressing room has always been wonderful. In situations where regular people would panic, Misbah does not, and this is his biggest strength. His behaviour with junior players is exemplary and I am lucky to have played under him.”
The 31-year-old Shafiq has become a dependable name in Pakistan’s Test side over the years. He is known for his sound technique and the resilience as a player and hence he is one of the players to look up to after Misbah and Younis retire.
“In fact, both Misbah and Younis’ role in my career is very important. When as a junior player you come to the team, you have been watching players like Misbah and Younis for a few years. Initially, you are nervous around them, because there is a culture — especially in Pakistan — that the difference between junior and senior players is very keenly felt. But their behaviour with the junior players is exemplary.
“Things that I would have learned in five-six years if Misbah and Younis hadn’t been around, I ended up learning in two-three years. Not just me, but all the junior players who have come into the team have benefited as both batsmen and human beings,” Shafiq added.
“The experience of batting with them has also been so much fun. When I had good partnerships with them, I learned about how to mould my batting according to various conditions and the other sides’ strengths. I can’t say who I’ll miss more, because both players’ services are extraordinary. Both have won a number of matches for Pakistan. We will have to work extra-hard to fill up the space that will be left by their departure,” he said.
