'I asked a right-hand batsman to start batting left-handed and told a left-hand bowler to start bowling right-hand': Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq’s second innings as Pakistan’s Head Coach and chief selector, couldn’t have started on a more abysmal note. The No.1 ranked T20I side were thumped comprehensively by an inspired Sri Lankan unit; one that was bereft of its ten frontline players.

Following the loss, the team, as well as the coach (+ selector), have been facing criticism from all corners of the country. While fans are trolling the likes of Ahmed Shahzad, Umar Akmal on social media, pundits as well as former cricketers are questioning the team management’s tactics and selections.

Misbah was brutally honest in his assessment during the post-match presser. The Head Coach + selector reckoned that this series loss was an eye-opener for Pakistan, “This series has been an eye-opener for us and everyone else. These same players have been around for a while now. More or less the same team which made us number one and has been playing together for around three to four years now,” Misbah said in the aftermath of Pakistan’s 0-3 whitewash at Lahore.

Misbah was at his sarcastic best in the press-conference

While he took complete responsibility for Pakistan’s dismal performance, Misbah was at his sarcastic best in the press conference, “Yes, I take responsibility for the series defeat. It is very disappointing and we played poorly. But this is the same team which made us number one. Same players who have been playing for around three years. If you want to blame me, it’s fine. I have been just 10 days on the job and yes about changes, I asked a right-hand batsman to start batting left-handed and told a left-hand bowler to start bowling right-hand, right,” he said.

When asked about the poor batting and keeping form of Sarfaraz, Misbah gave another tongue-in-cheek reply, “Yes, only the wicketkeeper is not playing well, the rest of the 10 players are doing so well,” Misbah gave another cheeky reply to the reporter.

Asked what is wrong with the batting and why they struggled so much against the spinners, Misbah remarked, “Yes it is an eye-opener for us and should also be one for you (media) as well. You need to think before writing they are finished without considering their past performances.

“Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez are our most seasoned players and play spin very well. Our youngsters face pace very well but face problems against spinners, wrist spinners.”

"We played POOR Cricket in all three formats" Says Chief Selector, Head Coach and partially Batting coach. #MisbahulHaq #PakvsSL #CleanSweep #PCB pic.twitter.com/Pph6OpIyQ3

— Makhdoom Abu-bakar Bilal (@makhdoomab) October 9, 2019