Arthur underlines Pak's resilience despite Australia drubbing

Karachi [Pakistan], Jan.11 (ANI): Despite being whitewashed in the recently-concluded three-match Test series against Australia, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has insisted that the resilience of his players can never be questioned, adding that the experience of playing down under will put them in good stead. Arthur said that although the team was disappointed with the way the series panned out, they played extremely competitive cricket at various stages of the tour. "Albeit we are all extremely disappointed with the way the series panned out, I really felt that we were competitive [at various stages] in this series and the players' resilience can never be questioned," the Dawn quoted Arthur as saying. The Pakistan head coach further emphasized that his side had left no stone unturned in terms of preparation, while hoping that the series might have provided the young players with a learning experience. "It has been very depressing for all of us losing these Test matches but I can tell you for certain that the work rate of the players and staff has been outstanding and no stone has been left unturned in terms of preparation. The thing you have to take out of it is the fact that the players will have all grown from this experience and be far better for it. The young players will certainly bring these lessons back when they come and play here again," he added. Speaking ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Australia, Arthur conceded that a majority of teams enjoy home advantage in modern-day cricket, something which Pakistan have been lacking since 2009 after the terror attack on Sri Lanka team deprived them of hosting international matches. "I believe that it is now very evident that almost all [major] teams dominate at home and it's getting harder to win away from home for every international team," he said. Reflecting on Misbah-ul-Haq's uncertain future as Test captain, Arthur said that he still expects the 42-year-old to play in the longest-format of the game regardless of the outcome Down Under. "I am hoping that Misbah tours and plays for Pakistan for a while yet but that is a choice that only Misbah can make. He needs time to assess for himself and I am sure when the time comes he will make the correct decision for himself," the former South African cricketer said. "His [Misbah's] career is obviously a very good one and when he does decide to retire he will go down as one of Pakistan's finest captains and batsmen," he added. Pakistan will now aim to overcome their recent woes when they take on Australia in the five-match ODI series beginning Friday at the Gabba, Brisbane. (ANI)