Thaindian News

Karachi, Dec.17 (ANI): Pakistan cricket vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes India has risen in Test stature primarily on the back of their prolific batters, and especially because of Sachin Tendulkar.
Haq was quick to add that Pakistan have the firepower in their bowling arsenal to tame the Indian batsmen if and when they tour Pakistan.
All of the (Pakistan) team players are hoping that the series (against India) does take place, the Daily News quoted Misbah as saying at the National Stadium here after a match of the Pentangular Cup One-day Championship on Tuesday.
Weve had a lean year with no Test matches and its very important for us to play strong teams like India, he added.
Misbah, who has played ten Tests and 43 One-day Internationals, praised India for the improvement they have achieved in recent times but warned that Pakistan will be no pushovers if the much-awaited series does take place.
India is the most improved team in world cricket right now. It has a very strong batting line-up but I must say that we have a very good bowling attack. So Im sure if the series takes place, it would produce some exciting matches, he said.
The 34-year-old batsman said that Pakistan are desperate to resume Test cricket and hoped that the option to fix matches against Sri Lanka will be explored in case the series against India is cancelled.
Speaking on the captaincy issue, Misbah once again made it clear that he doesnt count himself as a candidate for the job.
My focus is on giving my best as a batsman and I dont think about captaincy and all, he said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to decide on whether to retain Shoaib Malik as Pakistan captain within the next couple of weeks. (ANI)