Pak No. 1: From isolation to triumph

Lahore, August 23 

Pakistan have long been regarded as a talented yet inconsistent side, but through a combination of sheer hard work, application and a little help from some inclement Caribbean weather, the South Asian side sit atop the Test rankings for a first time.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s men thrashed hosts England at the Oval, the venue of one of the country’s darkest moments in cricket, earlier this month to earn a 2-2 draw in the four-Test series and prove to many that they can compete on any surface.

“This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers. It is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it,” Misbah said of the rise to the top.

Unable to play at home since a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore and shorn of bowling prospect Mohammad Amir in the wake of a damaging spot-fixing scandal at the Oval in 2010, Pakistan have ploughed a lonely furrow in cricket’s wilderness.

Undaunted by the isolation, Amir has returned after serving a five-year ban and immediately added fire to a formidable pace attack that, supplemented by the guile of imposing leg-spinner Yasir Shah, can run through any batting order.

Led by the evergreen Misbah and his able aging cohort Younus Khan, their vital experience has enabled a younger generation of batsmen to shine as Pakistan have capitalised on the dust bowl pitches in their UAE surrogate home to see off all-comers.

In the last two years, Pakistan have beaten Australia and England at home, drawn with New Zealand, and earned impressive away series wins in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh before the 2-2 draw against the English gave the world notice of their class.

“For us, the number one ranking is not a destination but part of a journey,” Misbah added. — Reuters