The third ODI against Australia was extremely tough for Pakistan as they lost the game from an impregnable position to go 3-0 down in the three-match series. While that was a big disappointment in itself, another significant development took place prior to the start of the match. Their regular skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq decided to sit out of the game owing to poor form. Misbah has failed to make any significant scores in his last 10 visits to the crease, and in fact has been run out four times. Still, it was a brave decision by Misbah to sit out of the game, in spite of being the leader.
While the move did not benefit Pakistan in a major way since they continued to struggle in the third ODI as well, it did raise questions marks over Misbah's future in the one-day format. What's most worrying is that this development has taken place too close to the World Cup. Misbah has candidly admitted that he can only feature in the mega event if he is in form. But, the decision has to be made rather soon. And, that ironically cannot be made if Misbah is sitting out of the game. On the contrary, he must play some matches and decide whether he is good enough to go to Australia.
It is important for Misbah to decide on his ODI future because in case he doesn't want to be part of the World Cup, the new captain must be given at least a few matches to get himself ready for the task. A last minute decision on the same would be detrimental to the entire team, and would really hurt the team's World Cup chances. As it is, Pakistan are struggling to find form with all their departments of the game failing to deliver upto expectations. Under such circumstances, a last minute change in leadership is not something Pakistan would readily expect. But, situations might force them to.
In case Misbah decides to step down, Pakistan will have to look out for a suitable replacement. They do not have a leader in the same league as Misbah. In fact, the only alternative they have is Shahid Afridi, their former one-day skipper, who has recently been appointed as their T20 leader. Having Afridi lead the side could be a rather risky proposition for the team. Of course, he has the experience, having led the side to the semi-final in the previous edition. However, his restlessness, and lack of consistency with the bat is not something that will inspire the team.
For Pakistan to do well at the World Cup, they would ideally want Misbah in the side, but back among the runs, and with confidence as a leader. Unfortunately for Pakistan, his loss of form has come at the wrong time for the team. In case, Misbah finds himself unfit, there is another extreme option they can try out, that of bringing back Younis Khan, and asking him to lead the side. For that, he will have to be recalled for the next one-day series, and given charge. In case, that move works, he can be appointed leader for the World Cup. The option sounds rather unfeasible in cricketing logic, but in Pakistan you never know what might work.
--By A Cricket Analyst
