West Indies Cricket Fans

Former Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson believes that Misbah-ul-Haq has the 'best cricket brain' in Pakistan, and is well-placed to handle the Test captaincy in the forthcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Misbah was thought to be out of national reckoning when he was not picked for the Asia Cup or the tour to England, but a disastrous sequence of events have forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint him as captain of the Test team.

"He definitely has the best cricket brain and intellect in Pakistan cricket," the Daily Times quoted Lawson, as saying.

"He has a statesman-like demeanour which so many Pakistan captains have lacked and he handles adversity analytically not emotionally. He knows how to get the best out of players and he is a winner, note his outstanding domestic record as a leader," he added.

The former coach further said that Misbah's personal performance would not be an issue.

"He works very hard on his fitness and his cricket skills so physically he will be in good shape," Lawson said.