Misbah-ul-Haq hailed his team’s 75-run win at Lord’s in the first Test as one of the best in his captaincy tenure. In a chase of 283, the visitors bowled out the home team for 207 in their second innings on the fourth day to register their first win at Lord’s in 20 years. “It’s been a remarkable turnaround after the 2010 incident, 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 said in the post match presentation.
Misbah himself played a significant part in the victory and crafted a fine knock of 114, on his Lord’s debut after his team reduced to 77/3. Misbah – ul -Haq further went on to say that, “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.”
Misbah said 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,” the skipper said.
Misbah also said about Mohammad Amir’s comeback in Test cricket after a long time and 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. He’s a good kid now, he’s a mature cricketer and he can prove to everyone that he’s a good bowler,” Misbah concluded.