Sharjah: Struggling Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul Haq denied shedding weight has caused him to lose form, saying he and his team needed just one good innings to restore confidence.
Misbah, 40, shed 10kg (22lb) during a fitness camp in June this year but has since struggled at the crease scoring just 67 in the 2-0 Test defeat against Sri Lanka in August. He also managed just 67 in the 2-1 one-day international (ODI) series loss in Sri Lanka which followed the Tests after scoring 1,373 ODI runs in 2013.
He fell without scoring against Australia in Sharjah on Tuesday, continuing a slump in form which has seen calls for his sacking as one-day captain. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq lost his form after he lost 10kg ahead of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, managing just 19 runs in six games.
But Misbah dismissed any link. "I don't think it's happening because of the weight," he said. "I have been getting runs in the domestic matches, and in the practice game (in the UAE). I can't say 'Oh I have lost weight that's why I am not getting runs'. This is not the case.
"I have more sterngth and endurance now." Pakistan's batting once again let them down during the 93-run defeat to Australia. Chasing 256 Pakistan were bowled out for 162 in 36.3 overs.
"I think sometimes you just lose confidence, and at the moment that's what is happening with our team," said Misbah.
"We need one or two good innings to just get back on track. At the moment it's really not coming from anyone."
Misbah admitted he needed to show more responsibility. "When you're playing for your country and you're playing as a batsman and as a captain, you have to really lead your team by your performances," said Misbah.
"I've been trying but sometimes it doesn't work for you and at the moment it's like that, but still I have to think positively. I have confidence and I have seen these ups and downs. If you keep working hard and are focused one innings can change that all,” he added.
