5 Reasons why Misbah-ul-Haq is the best thing that happened to Pakistan cricket in the last decade

In a country which is known for producing fierce fast bowlers and spinners who can spin the ball square Misbah-ul-Haq has done well to build a great career as the team’s premier batsman. The Pakistan captain recently etched his name on the honors board at Lord’s with a superb hundred against England in the first Test of the tour. The world has seen many talented bowlers from Pakistan leaving their mark on the cricket field. From the likes of Fazal Mahmood back in the 1950s, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the late 20th century, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Amir have carried the legacy of world class fast bowlers coming from Pakistan. But in the last decade, Pakistan have had their fair share of problems as well and there has been only one man to look up to, Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah is the most successful Test captain for Pakistan. He has led Pakistan in 42 Test matches, winning 20, losing 11 with 11 draws. Misbah was named the Test captain at the age of 36, after the spot-fixing scandal during England tour of 2010 and has never turned back since then. Here are 5 reasons why Misbah was the best thing that happened to Pakistan cricket in the last decade: 1. Leads by example: Misbah-ul-Haq scotches rumours of retirement. (Photo Source: AFP) There have been a number of batsmen who have been named the captain of their sides at least once in their career for a reasonable period of time. Most of them including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Shahid Afridi ended up losing their mojo with the bat due to the added responsibility. But the 42-year old Misbah has been the rock in the Pakistan batting lineup since he was observed for the first time in the T20 World Cup 2007. He likes to lead his team by example and thus makes sure he is the strongest resistance in their lineup. He averages 48 with the bat from 61 Tests and is a hard nut to crack at the crease. He has been the leading run scorer for Pakistan in the last decade and continues to add runs to his tally under all conditions. Also read – Misbah-ul-Haq – 42 and Kicking 2. Cool minded: India and Pakistan met in the Asia Cup 2011/12 in Dhaka. (Photo Source: Reuters) Misbah is extremely resilient and a composed cricketer. Pakistan may have played poorly over the years under his command as is their habit, but Misbah has never lost his cool and always held the team together. With nerves of steel, he can encounter any situation with his presence of mind and quick thinking. Misbah’s calm approach was exactly what Pakistan cricket needed after the tough phase it was going through. His unbreakable temperament combined with a degree in Human Resources Management has definitely helped him lead the team well. Despite the odds against him, Misbah has ensured Pakistan cricket has only blossomed under his leadership. 3. Not involved in team politics: Pakistan cricket team captain Misbah-ul-Haq and teammates celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo by Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images) Misbah does not indulge in any kind of team politics whether based within the squad or on the administrative level. He isn’t disconnected but doesn’t focus his energy where the reward is not what he desires. For him, it has always been about performing at his best level and motivating his players as well. He has had a few veterans and a bunch of youngsters around him all the time but with his calm demeanour has ensured there are no ego clashes. Pakistan Cricket Board has always been accused of politics or related dirty activities but Misbah has managed to improve the reputation of his team and that of the nation in the cricketing world despite many mishaps in the past. Also Watch: Misbah-ul-Haq celebrates his Lord’s ton with pushups 4. Away from controversies: Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq (C) celebrates with his teammates. (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) Despite being the captain of one of the most controversial sides in world cricket, Misbah has been able to stay away from all the wrong reasoned headlines. He led Pakistan through their darkest hour after the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 and came out clean at the end of the tunnel. It was a surprising decision when he was preferred over Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Kamran Akmal but Misbah retired his critics one by one with his performance. He retired from one day cricket after Pakistan’s loss in the World Cup 2015 without generating any fuss and has since then concentrated entirely on the longest format of the game. 5. Dependable Batsman Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan celebrates scoring a century. (Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images) Though he made his Test debut in 2001, Misbah was out of the national team for most of the time till 2007 due to his inconsistency. But since then, he has set a benchmark for the other batsmen when it comes to being consistent. Whether you need to defend all day to save the Test or push for a win on the last day, Misbah-ul-Haq is your go-to man in every situation. He can block all day, manipulate the field and smash the bowlers out of the park at will and has been the linchpin of Pakistan batting lineup as it was evident when he rose to the occasion and scored a solid hundred in his first Test in England. He is the top scorer in ODI cricket among those players who haven’t scored a century in ODIs and holds the record of the fastest Test half-century. Misbah also scored the fastest Test century, equalling the record of Sir Vivian Richards, which was later broken by Brendon McCullum. Also check out – Top 10 fastest centuries in Test cricket

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5 Reasons why Misbah-ul-Haq is the best thing that happened to Pakistan cricket in the last decade

4. Away from controversies:

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