Pakistan’s rise to number one ranking under Misbah-ul-Haq in Test cricket is an astonishing tale of hard work and perseverance

Captained by 42-year-old Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan have beaten all odds to rise to the number one ranking in Test match cricket.

Pakistan are a team to behold, literally and otherwise. How good they have been under Misbah-ul-Haq, so much so forth that they are now ranked number one in Test match cricket. It is something to be proud of and very proud of if you do not play any Test cricket at home as has been the case with Pakistan. How they managed this feat is as good as anybody’s guess. (Pakistan achieve number-one Test rank for the first time)

One has to say that no one would have ever imagined that Pakistan would get to the number one spot the way they have. It has been a smooth sailing. They are mighty hard to play anywhere in Asia and of course in their second home, in UAE. One has to say that they have been remarkable elsewhere too. (5th day washed out, India win series 2-0 but lose top ranking)

Drawing a Test series in England is no mean meat, especially when the early predictions say that you will be butchered. They have been quite superb to set the pace as far as their cricket is concerned. No holding back and going for it when it really matters. Mohammad Amir is all of 24. He has a lot of learning to do. But the way he has come back has surely settled a few nerves. (Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin biggest positive in this series: Virat Kohli)

With a bowling average of a tick over 31, he is far from being a settled Test match bowler but a statistical commodity never understood a Test match career completely. One has to say that Amir’s fortunes will decide which way Pakistan’s fortunes go from here on. Misbah’s career is also an interesting one. It is a career that certainly cannot go forever and will come to a halt sooner than later.

Although his claims are very interesting where he has talked about lasting till he is 50. That will not happen or will it? We will only have to wait and watch. But Pakistan have been spectacular to rise to the top. Of course staying there is another matter all together.

That may or may not happen but there is no doubt that one has to wait and watch what happens as far as their stay at the top is concerned. Meanwhile, there is little doubt that the hunt will be on and teams will be there to get them.

It will be fun watching everything unfold. How other teams shape up will of course be the key as Pakistan would know that there limelight may get over if they put their gear down.