Misbah will not feature in the second Test

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq will miss the second Test against New Zealand in Hamilton after he returned home following the death of his father-in-law.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have since confirmed that batsman Azhar Ali will lead the team in the final Test.

Misbah and his family flew back to Pakistan on Sunday evening after receiving news that his father-in-law had been admitted to the intensive care early that morning. As a result, the 42-year-old only took to the field for a short period of time as New Zealand successfully chased down their target of 105.

Misbah’s absence will be a huge blow for Pakistan as he has been the anchor of their middle order for the last six calendar years, in which he hasn’t averaged less than 40. Furthermore, he was one of the team’s more successful batsman in the first Test, making scores of 31 and 13 as Pakistan were bowled out for 133 and 171 respectively in their two innings.

“Misbah’s been exceptional throughout the years and we’ll miss him definitely,” Azhar said. “We have to cope with that now and whoever comes into the side will take that opportunity and give us runs, as well as the stability he gives us in the middle.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson added: “Misbah is a fantastic leader, certainly a great middle order batter and a world class player. When you’re without someone like that it is a loss. But (one of the) reasons why they’re number two (in the world) is because they have depth and experience. I’m sure they’ll find a suitable option for that middle order.”

It hasn’t been confirmed who will take Misbah’s spot in Hamilton, but it is likely to either be Mohammad Rizwan or Sharjeel Khan as they are the two specialist batsmen in the squad.