Daily Times

LAHORE: Test skipper Misbahul Haq on Wednesday received the prestigious International Cricket Council Test Championship mace for inspiring Pakistan to the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings for the first time since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003, by virtue of their 2-2 draw in England this summer. ICC chief executive David Richardson presented the mace to Misbah here at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan are the fifth team after Australia, England, India and South Africa to top the ICC Test Rankings while Misbah is the ninth captain to lift the mace after Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith (all Australia), MS Dhoni (India), Andrew Strauss (England), Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla (both South Africa).

Misbah said it was befitting that the mace presentation was taking place there. “There can’t be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago,” said Misbah. “It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the number-one position has been outside Pakistan. There is nothing better than being No. 1 in the Test rankings. It’s one of the best days in my life; the happiest day in my cricketing career.” Misbah added the players had missed on the crowd support, while the spectators had been unable to watch live some magnificent team and individual performances. “But I am confident that things will change and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan.”

Misbah said he was delighted to hold the mace in the twilight of his career. “It has always been a dream to lift an ICC trophy as captain. To be only the ninth international captain to achieve this honour in the traditional format of the game is something to be very proud of. This mace is a reward for the efforts and hard work of each and every individual who has been part of this group over the past few years.”

Richardson congratulated the Pakistan cricket team, saying: “The ICC Test Championship mace is a symbol of excellence and recognition of a side’s outstanding performance in the purest format of the game. Being part of a team that is ranked No.1 in Test cricket is a pinnacle achievement for any cricketer. Pakistan are deserving recipients of the mace. It is all the more impressive that they have reached the number-one Test ranking despite not being able to play a series in front of their home crowd since March 2009. On behalf of the ICC, I want to congratulate the Pakistan cricket team and Misbah in particular for the way he has led his side. I hope that the team continue to go from strength to strength. A strong Pakistan side are good for international cricket.”

Richardson said the upcoming weeks would continue to be as exciting and entertaining for Test cricket fans. “The top four ranked sides are separated by just three points and they will be playing in the coming weeks. The contest for the number-one position gives great context to the upcoming series, providing fascinating entertainment for followers of the Test cricket,” he said.

Number-two ranked India will host New Zealand in a three-Test series from Thursday and if they win the series, they will move to the top of the table even before Pakistan start their three-Test series against the West Indies on 13 October. The two-Test series between Bangladesh and fourth-ranked England begins in Chittagong on 20 October, while South Africa will travel to third-ranked Australia where the first Test will commence in Perth on 3 November. These fixtures are part of an exciting race to the annual cut-off date as the side that tops the ICC Test Team Rankings on April 1 will also receive a cash award of $1million, while the second placed side will collect $500,000. The third and fourth placed sides will receive $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Misbah admitted his side would have to produce strong performances to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the April 1 cut-off date. “The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the April 1 cut-off date. It is not going to be easy as we have series against formidable sides like the West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. But instead of getting overawed by our opponents, we need to trust in our abilities, focus on our strengths and try to be as consistent as possible,” Misbah concluded. Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies will begin in Dubai on 13 October, while Christchurch will be the venue of the first of the two-match series on November 17. The three-Test series in Australia will start with the day/night Test in Brisbane on December 15.

Rankings

Rank            Team                    Points

1                 Pakistan                  111

2                India                        110

3                Australia                  108

4               England                    108

5               South Africa              96

6               Sri Lanka                   95

7               New Zealand             95

8               West Indies              67

9 Bangladesh 57

10 Zimbabwe 8