"The game was almost lost and Asad Shafiq made a match out of nothing" : Misbah-ul-Haq

[Abdullah719]

Misbah speaking after the conclusion of the first Test:

"I'm happy because after the first innings, it was looking difficult for us to come back into the game. The batsmen showed their character which was wonderful. The tailenders played special knocks and Asad Shafiq was superb while Younis came back into form, Azhar did well at the top. I'm happy and proud for the way the team played in the 4th innings."

"I believed we could win this morning. I always have belief in this team which is why we've been performing well in the past 6 years. I know all the individuals can give you something special at any time."

"I was hopeful while Shafiq was there though there was a bit of doubt because Wahab got out. But we felt Yasir could chip in and help Asad. There was always hope, even when Shafiq got out. You need to keep believing."

"After what we've shown in the last couple of days, I think everyone believes now, specially the team."

"Once you're chasing 490 in the last innings, you're looking to get something out of it and you want to show what you're capable of. It's a good chance for the batsmen to prove themselves and get some runs ahead of the next Test. At the end, we got so close and it's a proud moment for me as a captain... everyone contributed, except for me! They all showed the way for the team and now the belief is there."

"When we needed 42 and Asad and Yasir were there, and even when Wahab was there, we felt that you never know, we might pull it off. As a fielding captain, you feel a lot of pressure in this situation. We were always in the hunt when it came down to under 100."

"One of the best knocks by Asad Shafiq. It was tremendous, he showed character, class and calculation. He absorbed pressure really well with the tail. The game was almost lost and he made a match out of nothing. The Australians would have felt they could lose the match towards the end - that was the quality of the innings."

 

[Ami]

True say ....its vital now for Pak to win next test...even a draw will do.

 

[Abdullah719]

Presser:

"It's a totally different scenario between starting in day time and playing under lights against the new ball."

"The batsmen showed courage in the 2nd innings, they survived the initial burst and then played their shots in a positive way."

"The way Sarfraz and Amir batted in the first innings showed us that these are bat-able conditions and if we apply ourselves, we can score runs."

"It's not about playing away from home that gives us resilience or makes us mentally strong. Playing away from home causes more of a psychological pressure for us as we have to stay away from families and friends in UAE for few months. The conditions in UAE are somewhat similar to Pakistan but staying away from home is very difficult. That could burn out players sometimes but overall, this team is experienced enough. They've been playing together for last 6 years with success, it's a settled team which has passed tests so they are capable of performing in tough conditions - they understand Test cricket."

"If you look at Yasir's run out in isolation, you think there could have been a different outcome but overall, I can't complain about anybody's effort especially in the 4th innings. The pitch had pace and bounce and the tail showed courage and had good partnerships. When you lose, you feel a bit of disappointment but overall I'm a happy man."

"When you have these sort of matches, they attract the crowds. I know everybody would be glued to the TV in Pakistan. Nobody was sure of the outcome until the last wicket."

"Always rated Amir as a good all-rounder, I believe he has ability with the bat. I've been talking to him since the England series to concentrate and check yourself as a batsman. He has a good defence, he has shots. The only thing he needs is a change of mindset and he can score runs. He has everything. I am pretty happy with his batting, specially character shown by him and Wahab."

"Amir's injury scare was worrying at the time as we were playing only four bowlers. Amir is an important member of the team and I was concerned. We were relieved that he was OK."

"What everybody believes after watching D/N Test cricket is that the most difficult time to bat is under lights. We were a bit concerned when the extra half-hur was taken last night but also relieved as Starc had just finished a spell. We were just hoping that they'd bowl Lyon and the moisture might not allow the ball to turn much. We thought another 40 runs could help us out and we got 50 or so which got us closer."

 

[Xoib]

your are on a 4 match loosing run stop talking about 6 years and try to win a game ateast.

 

[GenericBrand]

Let him focus on his bowling, he has still been average so far. And even then, no need to put more pressure on him else he will turn into another Irfan Pathan