Misbah quashes retirement talk, insists `he's still fit to play`

Karachi [Pakistan], Dec.1 (ANI):Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has brushed aside the impression that he will take retirement from international cricket after the upcoming Australia tour, saying he is still fit and will continue to play for the country until his side needs him. "I will continue to play for Pakistan until my team needs me and there are no issues with my fitness level as I am quite fit," the Dawn quoted Misbah as saying. Meanwhile, Misbah also called on his side to put up a great performance against the Steve Smith-led team in the three-match Test series beginning at the Gabba on December 15. The 42-year-old, who missed out the last Test against New Zealand due to a one-match ban imposed by the ICC on him for slow over-rate, admitted that although it is a difficult task to rebuild a team after the recent 0-2 series defeat, but is not an impossible one. It was New Zealand's first Test series win on their home soil against Pakistan after 31 years. Meanwhile, it was also New Zealand's first home Test series win under skipper Kane Williamson. It was also the biggest win for New Zealand against Pakistan in terms of runs. Misbah also predicted that the playing conditions in Australia would be much better in contrast to New Zealand, where the green pitches did not allow his side's batsmen to play long innings. Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan had urged Misbah to carry on playing at least until 2018. "Though Misbah is independent to decide about his future, the PCB has suggested him to continue till 2018," the PCB chairman had said. Last month, Misbah had said he would consider retirement after the conclusion of the series in New Zealand and Australia.(ANI)