Misbah denies shedding weight caused loss in form

Struggling Pakistan cricket team captain Misbah-ul Haq has said that he and his team needs just one good innings to restore confidence, denying that losing weight has caused him to lose form.

Misbah shed 10 kilograms 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 ODI series loss in Sri Lanka which followed the Tests after scoring 1,373 ODI runs in 2013.

The skipper fell without scoring against Australia in Sharjah on Tuesday, continuing a slump in form, which has seen calls for his sacking as one-day team captain, Sport24 reported.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq lost his form after he lost 10 kilogram ahead of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, managing just 19 runs in six games. But Misbah dismissed any link, saying that he does not think it is happening because of the weight.

Misbah said that he has been getting runs in the domestic matches, and in the practice game in the UAE, adding that he cannot say that he has lost weight and that is why he is not getting runs, as this is not the case.

The skipper said that he has more strength 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.

Misbah said that he thinks sometimes one just loses confidence, and added that at the moment that's what is happening with their team. He said that they need one or two good innings to just get back on track and at the moment it's really not coming from anyone.