The National Sport cover for the Friday, October 23 issue, featuring Misbah-ul-Haq on Pakistan's solid first day against England in Dubai in the second Test.
Paul Radley writes from Dubai International Stadium of Misbah’s enduring quality:
“When Misbah-ul-Haq cannily reverse swept Moeen Ali into a wide open gap to bring up his century, around a third of the small congregation at Dubai International Stadium rose to their feet to applaud.
“The rest clapped along politely, but could not bring themselves to go for the full standing ovation. Maybe the padded, prime-view seats are just too comfortable to be extricated from.
“Especially at that time. It was the fourth ball of the final over of the opening day, and he had just decided to rush to three figures. What had kept him?
“Misbah has never minded waiting for the good things in life to come his way. He landed the captaincy of his country when he was 36.
“He was already well past his 40th birthday when he equalled the record for the fastest Test century.
“Now 41 years and 147 days young, the sport’s ultimate late bloomer is still trying to cram it all in, just when he is meant to be retiring.”
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