I think the inexperience led to Pakistan’s defeat: Misbah-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq tried to analyse Pakistan’s defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the first Test that concluded recently. He noted that it was the inexperienced batting lineup that cost the team the game. Interestingly, head coach Mickey Arthur had also cited the same reason after the defeat. Pakistan bundled out for a mere 114 in the second innings to lose the match by 21 runs.

Misbah-ul-Haq mentioned that the way the batsmen approached the small target showed their maturity levels. He wanted the batsmen to attack Rangana Herath more. The moment Pakistan let Herath settle at the bowling crease, they had lost the plot in the game there itself.

“I think the inexperience led to Pakistan’s defeat in Abu Dhabi. It was a small target but the way the batsmen batted showed their inexperience. They did not attack Herath and when you don’t do that, he bowls at his best; it’s then tough to play him,” quoted Misbah-ul-Haq in a conversation with Wisden.

Playing two spinners

Speaking on the changes that the team should make in the coming fixtures, Misbah reckons that two spinners must be included in the side. He recalled how the Pakistani team played a couple of spinners against South Africa despite seeing the grassy wicket. He pointed out that the grassy wicket perhaps made Sarfraz ponder over playing an extra seamer.

“There was grass and the pitch looked good. You can’t assume you will get to make first use of it because it depends on the toss. We played three seamers here in the Test against South Africa and won despite losing the toss,” quoted the former captain.

“Maybe they took the grass and the moisture into account but ideally, whatever be the conditions, considering the heat and the fact that the pitch gets dry quickly, one should play with two spinners,” he added further.

On the batting order

Commenting on the batting order, Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his satisfaction on seeing Asad Shafiq bat higher in the order. Also, he feels that Sarfraz should come a little higher in the batting lineup. The void left by him and Younis Khan needs to filled in by some experienced player in the lineup for Pakistan to overcome these concerns.

“Look, your experienced batsman bats up the order. Asad was playing too low, he had to come up. I think No. 6 was low for him. Sarfraz is also batting low at No. 7, given that he has an average of 40 and he bats well against spinners. Asad is okay at No. 4 and the change was good. The openers needed to be experienced because after me and Younis, there was a gap, there were worrying signs,” mentioned Misbah.