SHARJAH // Misbah-ul-Haq said he has yet to decide whether he will carry on playing after next year’s World Cup.
Pakistan have no Test matches scheduled until they face Sri Lanka in July 2014.
Misbah will be 41 by that time, and as such, the Sharjah Test match against New Zealand starting today could be his last appearance in whites for Pakistan.
“I have been really thinking about that for days and days, but let’s see,” said Misbah, who has been in charge for more Test wins than any other Pakistan captain.
“I am just planning, and at the moment, haven’t announced anything. I just want to focus and play accordingly as to what cricket is coming.
“Obviously, I have been thinking about the World Cup [which starts in February] and what my plans are after that.”
Pakistan have never lost a Test series in the UAE under Misbah’s guidance.
With a 1-0 lead ahead of this final Test, they are certain to maintain that record, and New Zealand will be hard-pressed to even halve it, given the appearance of the pitch.
Misbah acknowledged that the wicket looks to be typically batsman-friendly and said his side are enjoying the experience of playing five Tests within the space of 41 days.
“It is going to help us to play as much cricket as we can before the World Cup, to get our rhythm back,” he said. “The team is playing good cricket, and in this sort of situation, I don’t think the team would mind having more cricket.”
Ehsan Adil, the seamer, will undergo a fitness test after suffering a side strain.
Mohammed Hafeez is being considered for a recall after returning from England, where he underwent tests on his bowling action.
pradley@thenational.ae
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