Misbah to join Pakistan team in New Zealand

Karachi, Nov 29 (IANS) Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, who left for Wellington to join the team ahead of the second cricket Test against New Zealand, said more than bolstering the batting, the tourists will have to improve their fielding to be able to level the three-match series.

Pakistan lost the first Test against the Kiwis in Dunedin after dropping several catches especially in the New Zealand first innings allowing the hosts to pile up 429 in difficult conditions.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf renewed his demand for the inclusion of Misbah in the squad and Pakistani selectors, who were initially reluctant to recall the previously discarded batsman, had to finally relent.

Misbah, who flew out of Lahore Saturday, said that more than his return to the Test team, it would be improved fielding that can help Pakistan level the series in Wellington where the second Test gets underway Dec 3.

"We lost the first Test because of poor fielding and need to do much better in that department, if we want to make a comeback in the series," he said before boarding a flight to Wellington.

"As for myself, I will try my best to bolster our batting if I get a chance to play in the remaining matches of the series," said Misbah, who was axed from the Pakistan team because of indifferent form.

Yousuf, the Pakistan captain, has said that Misbah's inclusion in the playing line-up for the second Test is not certain and the team management will only take a final decision after giving hard look at the playing conditions in Wellington.Yousuf wants his players to improve their fielding as they spilled too many catches in Dunedin.

"We didn't field well in the first innings and gave away some runs," he said. "Credit to New Zealand for the way they bowled in the second innings. We wouldn't be chasing 250-odd had we not dropped vital catches."

Pakistan's slip-catching will improve by the return of Misbah for the second Test, which is one of reason why Pakistan are likely to add him to the playing eleven.