Misbah vows to be more positive

Misbah's men were seemingly in command of the first Test in Abu Dhabi with a 314-run first-innings lead courtesy of Junaid Khan's destructive 5-38 and Taufeeq Umar's inspired double ton (236).

However, Sri Lanka hit back thereafter with two centurions of their own in Kumar Sangakkara (211) and Prassana Jayawardene (120) to restrict the hosts to a disappointing draw.

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Still, the home team's skipper is adamant there were plenty of positives to take away from that performance and build upon heading into their second five-day meeting at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

“We're very much clear about our strategies and team with regards to what we have to do and what we're going to do,” the Pakistan skipper, 37, said.

“We got a lot more positives than Sri Lanka in so much as we got at least 30 wickets, with 20 wickets with six or seven dropped catches. That was a big positive for us.

“Our batsman also played – and scored – very well, so we still have the edge on Sri Lanka.”

That's not to say though that otherwise encouraging display wasn't without specific areas for improvement overall, with a slow initial run-rate proving costly with the benefit of hindsight.

“We've talked about that,” Misbah admitted. “We want be more positive, especially when you are on top, you've got a good lead and you just have to press the button.

“Next time, it will not happen like that and everybody knows what they have to do. These are the things we want to improve.”

Fine fielding, or the distinct lack of it, is another problematic concern, with the team's leader explaining frankly: “After such a performance in the field, we've had two days to just really work hard on that, but – then again – I know all you can do is practice and hope for the best in the next game.”

Misbah naturally was keeping his cards close to his chest in relation to team selection on the eve of such a pivotal meeting, although he clearly has full faith in whichever XI eventually gets the nod.

There may not however be too much tinkering with Pakistan's bowling unit, in spite of lingering fears their two-day stint in the field down in the national capital may take its toll at some stage.

“They're feeling very good because they bowled really well on a flat wicket, making great, solid chances and taking 20 wickets,” Misbah commented.

Meanwhile, frontline bowler Umar Gul has been declared fit to participate after Misbah shrugged off suggestions the right-arm quickie was suffering from an unspecified, niggling injury.

“He's okay,” the skipper revealed. “There was a little bit of stiffness, but there's no problem.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com