‘The only way to stop Smith is get him out’ – Misbah

The head coach and chief selector of Pakistan cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday said that the only way to stop Steve Smith is get him out.

“The way he is batting at the moment, he is at the top of his game and his confidence level is very high and he is consistence as well, the only thing we can do is get him out and that’s what we are trying to figure out,” said Misbah while talking to media ahead of the series in Australia.

The star batsman was banned for a year for his role in a ball-tampering scandal but have rejoined their country’s Test, one-day and now T20 sides.

Replying to a question about including Usman Qadir who surprisingly made his place in the national squad, Misbah said that he has been included to the squad due to his experience of playing in Australian wickets.

The head coach is also optimistic about the young side to spring a surprise in tough Australia conditions.

“It’s always good to be in Australia because you enjoy cricket here but it’s a challenge for whichever team that comes here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a very good series ahead. The talent we have and if we can be disciplined in all three departments then we can produce good results.”

Misbah also advised Babar and Azhar to focus on their performances beside the captaincy.

“The team’s performance is important but I always advice the captain to focus on their individual performance because your role as a player is the most important part of the team.”

The tour comprises of three T20Is and two Tests, the first T20I of which will be played in Sydney on November 3.

Series Schedule

31 October – T20 warm-up match v CA XI, Bankstown, Sydney

3 November – 1st T20I, Sydney

5 November – 2nd T20I, Canberra

8 November – 3rd T20I, Perth

11-13 November – Three-day match v CA XI, Optus Stadium, Perth (d/n)

15-16 November – Two-day match v CA XI, WACA, Perth

21-25 November – 1st Test, Brisbane

29 November-3 December – 2nd Test, Adelaide (d/n)

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