"It's been a remarkable turnaround after the 2010 incident," Misbah said at the post-match presentation on Sunday (July 17). "The team took real responsibility and these players showed a lot of respect for the game, fought throughout the six years and brought plenty of wins. Their on and off the field disciplines are really good and winning against a top side, who are really good in their home conditions, speaks volumes for this team and for all the players."
Misbah himself played a significant part in the victory. With his team reduced to 77 for 3 after a top-order collapse on the opening day, Misbah crafted a fine knock of 114, on his Lord's debut, to take Pakistan to 339 in their first innings. The crucial 67-run lead that the visiting team managed proved decisive but the 42-year-old credited his bowlers for restricting England.
"It is one of the top wins as a captain and as a Pakistan team. I'm really proud of the team, everybody fought and came out with really good skills. Especially today, mentally everyone was strong. Yasir Shah in first and second innings and the fast bowlers bowled really well. Overall it was a good win for us."
Yasir Shah was instrumental in the win and registered his career best match figures of 10 for 141. Misbah stated that Yasir's presence in the playing XI gave them the confidence to win the Test after posting 300-plus in the first innings.
"We always believe that if we cross 300 we have a chance, especially in the first innings, because we have a top spinner. And in the fourth innings when the pitch dries up they can put pressure on the opposition, the quicks are so good with reverse swing, and they can make it really difficult. They proved it today."
Plenty of build-up going into the series-opener centered around Mohammad Amir who picked up three wickets in the game including the final one of Jake Ball. Misbah hoped that the left-arm seamer can put the past behind him to start all over again.
"He's part of the team that has won the Test match, it will be one of the memorable days of his life and from here he can start his career again. I hope he'll perform like that, and prove to everybody (that he can) just be really a good man, a good cricketer and good human being now. He's so lucky he got another chance, now it's a new life for him," said Misbah. "He will definitely get better because sometimes there is some sort of mental block, because that had happened here, especially at this venue. So that obviously comes into your mind."
Pakistan celebrated in an unique way after their win. The team stood up facing the Lord's balcony before saluting and doing some press-ups. Misbah revealed the celebration was a tribute for the army men who helped them prepare for the series in a boot camp in Pakistan. "The team was really hoping that we get a chance (to celebrate like that)," he started. "I got a chance after scoring my hundred. This was a small tribute to all those army men who were working really hard with us at the boot camp.
"We learn from them. They are not getting a lot of money for their services to the nationand they still want to sacrifice their life for the nation. That's a really big motivation for us and everyone is really putting in a lot of effort."
No comments:
Post a Comment