Skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 yearning for a specialist wicket-keeper- Cricket News Update
After two consecutive defeats against England, Pakistan’s skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq, has expressed concerns over his team’s performances, and especially the wicket-keeping berth, which has deprived the Men In Green from claiming crucial breakthroughs in the
opening two games of the 4-match One Day International series, at UAE.
While talking to ESPN Cricinfo, The 37-year-old right-handed batsman admitted that the woeful display of the batters forced him to exclude a specialist wicket-keeper, while using the services of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Akmal-c94595 in order to give his side a much needed balance.
The 21-year-old however, missed a crucial stumping off http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026 (102) on 28 in the second game. He remains a very talented batsman but the additional responsibility
has affected his batting performances in the series so far.
Nevertheless, the hosts have another good option in the elder Akmal brother, for stumps warden. Adnan, who has performed notably in the last victorious Test series against England, but due to his lack of expertise with the bat, remains short in making it
to the ODI team.
"It's a really difficult decision for us to keep a wicketkeeper - especially such a talented wicketkeeper who performed well - out of the side. But it's due to the pressure on our batting line-up. It's not clicking so it's troubling us at the moment. It's
really a problem for us.” Misbah said.
Apart from the wicket keeping issue, Misbah expressed distress over batting under lights.
"Even with great players in the batting line-up, we've struggled most of the time. When it comes to UAE conditions, it's difficult. With two new balls and batting under lights in the evening, the ball moves around a bit. Sometimes it skids; sometimes it
seams. It's really difficult for teams - particularly Asian teams - batting second.” Misbah said.
When asked about Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in the squad, the skipper defended his stance, highlighting the fact that the side is short of a sixth bowler and considering Shoaib’s experience, the option becomes viable in terms of providing the much needed
depth to the batting order, and someone, who can be utilized as a bowler too.
Both the teams will face in the third and decisive match today, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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