Misbah wary of England challenge ahead of series opener

KARACHI: Over the years UAE has emerged as an unconquerable fortress for Pakistan in Tests, something England are fully aware of.
When the two teams last met in a Test series in the UAE back in 2012, Pakistan whitewashed the tourists 3-0.
Their fans would be expecting similar results when a three-Test series against England gets underway in Abu Dhabi next week.
But Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, isn’t willing to promise anything ahead of the series which begins with the first Test on October 13.
On Thursday, the seasoned batsman made it clear that his team will have to work hard to win the series against a young and determined England side.
“They are a young and determined team and they have practiced quite hard so, yes, it will not be easy for us,” Misbah told reporters in Abu Dhabi.
The skipper stressed that his players will have to give their best against England.
“Of course we know what happened in 2012 but this will be a new series and we have to make sure that we get our basics right,” he said.
Faced with the prospect of a resurgent England, Misbah expects a very different challenge from Alastair Cook’s men to that of the side led by Andrew Strauss that was blown away by Pakistan three years ago.
“It’s a different England team, obviously we’re confident and playing good cricket but at the same time England is also playing good cricket.
“We need to focus on our basics and we really need to work hard. That is what we’re looking for. We’re not just looking at the results. We’ll definitely go day by day, session by session.”
Back in 2012, Pakistan overpowered England in dominant fashion, largely down to the brilliance of Saeed Ajmal.
In the absence of Ajmal, Misbah once again has a spin ace up his sleeve, with leggie Yasir Shah coming into the series after a remarkable 12 months in Test cricket.
While acknowledging that Yasir will play a pivotal role in his side’s chances of success, Misbah is adamant that all of his bowlers will need to chip in over the course of the three Tests.
“The way he is bowling, I think [Yasir] is a threat to every team,” Misbah said.
“Obviously, England knows that and we also know that he is our strength.
“At the same time, I think it’s about all bowlers. They all have to play their role.
“To win a Test match or series you can’t just only focus on one bowler. It’s a team effort, as a team you have to really perform well.
“We know Yasir is our strength but also our fast bowlers will definitely play a key role here with the new ball, especially in Abu Dhabi.”
Backing up Shah is likely to be the returning Shoaib Malik, the off-spinner coming back into the Test fold after a five year absence.
Malik is expected to fill the role of Mohammed Hafeez who is currently suspended from bowling due to an illegal action, offering both variety in the bowling department and relief for the attack, in the brutal heat of the Emirates.
Misbah is also confident that 33-year-old Malik can make an impression against England’s many left-handers in their batting order.
“It is pretty clear [Malik] is playing really well and in good form,” said Misbah.
“He is here especially for his bowling, because before that Hafeez was doing that for us and with England having four or five left-handers in their lineup we just thought about that and another option of off-spin, especially with the kind of form he is in.
“In this sort of heat you need another bowler so I think that is a plus for us.”