Captain Misbah-ul-Haq counts on Pakistan’s Test experience

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is confident that the experience of the Test team will bring success.

The teams will lock horns in the first Test of the two-match series at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Tuesday.

“This (Pakistan) is a totally different team with specialist Test players, who know their roles and have been playing really well for the last four or five years,” said Misbah in the pre-match press conference on Monday.

“So I think, it’s (the team) completely different from ODIs and T20.”

Pakistan have been subjected to a 3-0 ODI series humiliation by the Tigers, who topped it with their first-ever T20 International win against their sub-continent rivals, by seven wickets.

So Misbah puts the Tigers way ahead of his side in the Tests but remains poised.

The tourists’ recent form in Tests can boost their confidence too. Their last Test series against New Zealand was drawn after beating Australia 2-0.

“Our Test team is experienced and has been playing (as a unit) for a long time. I hope we can maintain consistency achieved when we played against Australia and New Zealand in Dubai.

After returning to international cricket after correcting his bowling action, Saeed Ajmal is yet to show his true colours.

The talismanic spinner was out of action for a long time and may need some time to settle in, said Misbah.

Misbah lauded Bangladesh’s improvement in the game.

“You have to respect your opponents. Bangladesh are doing well specially after the World Cup. They are strong in their own conditions.

“We want to break their confidence. And for that, we have to play our best cricket.

Misbah is not too worried about the Khulna wicket. He thinks the track will be a slow one.

The 40-year-old captain, however, was reluctant to speak of the possible eleven for the first Test.