Misbah-ul-Haq opts out of third ODI against Australia

Misbah-ul-Haq

Following the two back-to-back One Day International (ODI) losses against Australia in the ongoing series at the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has opted himself out of the third and final match, which is to be played on October 12 at Abu Dhabi, so that the team could try out a new combination. 

It is not yet clear whether this move indicates the sign of things to come: a permanent change of guard. Instances of a captain opting out of a series midway are very rare, and hence it wouldn’t be surprising if Misbah quits the post after the series. However, with the World Cup 2015 scheduled to start next February, it doesn’t bode well for the team. 

For the time being, national Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi is expected to lead the team in the dead rubber. 

Team results and personal form letting Misbah down 

When asked about captaincy, Misbah, speaking to the media after the second ODI, said: "I have not thought about the captaincy. I will fight on."

It is understood that the 40-year-old was disturbed by the 'Go Misbah, Go' chants that followed after Pakistan inexplicably lost track following a fine 126-run opening stand between Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz Ahmed, to eventually get bundled out for 215: a target that was chased down with ease by the visitors, thanks to Glenn Maxwell’s 81-ball 76. 

In addition to losing their previous bilateral series, against Sri Lanka, and bowing out of the Asia Cup 2014 early, Misbah’s returns with the bat have not been up to the mark, of late, as well. He has only scored 152 runs in his last 9 ODIs.