Nasser Hussain dubs Misbah as 'father-figure' for Pakistani players

Karachi, Aug 19 (ANI): Former England captain Nasser Hussain has heaped praise on Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, saying his contribution to Pakistan cricket is amazing and hoped that it continues in the coming days as well. Hussain said that Misbah has had a calming influence on the team, while pointing out that his captaincy has been excellent, especially given the circumstances of not being able to play at home and constantly being on the road whilst playing in front of empty stands in the UAE. "I think what he has done for Pakistan cricket is amazing and long may it continue," he was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net. The former England skipper asserted that the 42-year-old Pakistani skipper is a 'father-figure' to his team-mates. "When he speaks in the dressing room, the players listen. He is someone they all look up to and admire and he does give them the freedom to be fiery at times," he said. "In my view, Misbah seems to be someone who the Pakistani players listen to rather than going away and just doing things their own way; that's always the sign of a good captain. The players trust him and are buying into his ideas but why wouldn't they as his record as captain is very good," he added. Pakistan recently leveled the four-match Test series 2-2 against England by registering a crushing victory at The Kia Oval. The Misbah-ul-Haq-led side trounced England by 10 wickets in the fourth and final Test, thanks to veteran batsman Younis Khan's double century and leg-spinner Yasir Shah's five wicket-haul in the second innings. Pakistani are now currently ranked number two in the ICC Test rankings. (ANI)