Misbah-Ul-Haq Distraught After Old Trafford Loss But Urges Pakistan To Bounce Back

Pakistan coach and chief selector Misbah-Ul-Haq earlier pointed out where his side lost the first Test in Manchester against England. Misbah-Ul-Haq mainly credited the partnership of Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes as the turning point that helped them to scale 277 from being 117-5. The former Pakistan captain has admitted to frustration as much as the fans are over the loss.

Also Read: Misbah-Ul-Haq Rues Letting England Off The Hook In Defense Of 277

Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes steered the chase confidently when Pakistan were on a roll, claiming Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope in quick succession.

The pair’s 139-run stand lifted the hosts, who looked buried. The Englishmen did lose two wickets at the doorstep of victory; however, Woakes kept his nerve to drive England over the finish line.

Misbah-Ul-Haq remarked, feeling frustrated as much as the fans after the game at the Old Trafford. He underlined the bare margins that lie between victory and defeat and easy to curse when ended up on the losing side. At the same time, the 45-year old lauded his team for remaining forward for the most part and called for his side to respond better under pressure situations.

“We are feeling frustrated, just as the fans are, after the Old Trafford Test match but this is how cricket is. There are very small margins between victory and defeat and it’s easy to curse yourself when you’ve lost. But, we should remember that we were right on top until pretty much the last session of the game and we played very good cricket. Sure, we need to improve 10 to 15 per cent and deal with pressure situations a little better but we shouldn’t be mentally down,” Misbah-Ul-Haq said in the official PCB release.

Misbah-Ul-Haq urges Pakistan to move on from the defeat at Old Trafford:

The 75-Test veteran accepted feeling disappointed; however, compels for the visitors to fight back in the remaining two Tests in Southampton. He entirely credited Joe Root’s men for putting them under pressure but credited Pakistan’s lack of fortune during some stages. The second Test begins on the 13th of August at the Ageas Bowl.

“There is disappointment, of course, but we must not keep that feeling in our minds otherwise it will be difficult to come back but the team believes we can fight back.

“It was a thrilling Test match and full credit must go to England for the way they fought back, came from behind and took the game away from us. There was wonderful cricket played by both teams. Sometimes luck doesn’t favour you, sometimes the opposition plays well – that’s the beauty of the game,” he added.

Also Read: Only Pakistan Could Have Lost From That Position: Ramiz Raja