Misbah looks to improve Pak cricket image

Cricket

Misbah looks to improve Pak cricket image

Close

Pakistani captain wishes for rebuilding the country's cricket image.

16 January,2012 06:08 pm

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq wants to start rebuilding the countrys cricketing image and remove the blot of spot-fixing with a good performance in the first test against top-ranked England.You can just get your image back only by playing good cricket, by winning, by your good conduct in the field and out of the field, Misbah told reporters on the eve of first of the three-test series on Monday.Misbah was handed the captaincy after that controversial tour and Pakistan has not lost a test series since, beating Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their last three series.The way we are doing things, the way we are playing for the last year and a half, I think we are on the right path, Misbah said.The Pakistan captain also hoped this matchup will help improve both countries bury the spot-fixing scandal once and for all.We just want to play cricket in a good atmosphere ... build good relations with the (England) team, Misbah said. Whatever happens on the field, just prove your performance on the field and nothing else.England captain Andrew Strauss hoped there will be no controversy this time, and that both teams play the game in the right way.It is important that we recognize our responsibilities (and) make sure that things dont escalate into something more serious, he said.England comes into the first test having won its last six test series, and Misbah said Pakistan will have to capitalize on any chances the visitors give them in order to spring a surprise.We have to be on top of our game all the time, thats the key for us, if we just do that we have a chance, he said.