One Dimensional Nonsense

Just heard someone say 'Imagine Misbah criticising players for scoring slowly when he retires'

What utter nonsense, he has every right to if he sees a cautious innings without much context behind it. 

Rameez Raja, Sanjay Manjreakar, Aakash Chopra, Nasser Hussain were much more watchful slow players than Misbah, yet are touchy when analysing scoring rates on commentary.

And Misbah is far from a one dimensional batter or one paced plodder like those or others such as Azhar Ali, Alastair Cook, Rahul Dravid, Chanderpaul or Kane Williamson type.

He was reintroduced into the team as a Twenty20 specialist in 2007

He is the type of batsman than can strike 3 sixes in an over when a spinner is on, did it in the 2007 final

Many times he has got 60 from 40 balls not out etc without looking outside his comfort zone

He has been signed up in premier leagues worldwide

Big hitting

Range of shots

Ability to suddenly accelerate by cutting loose, opening up his shoulders

Being proactive in his crease movements

Premeditating 

Release shots 

All are a big part of his game, always have been.

A confident power hitter who can find the fence at will, inventive improviser, dramatic gear changer and someone who uses the depth in the crease very well to change his striking points. It wouldn't be a bad thing even if he was a pure blocker, many great batters have been blockers. But he is not. Naturally an adventurous assertive batter who has matured and developed his defensive game impressively to become a top class all round test match performer, only to be ridiculed for it. People forget what his natural game is. It should be differentiated from the role he's adopted in the team because of necessity.  

Players who can hit often find it difficult to block

Players who can block often find it difficult to hit

Not Misbah

Best of both worlds 

Positive in defence, positive in attack 

From highlights of Abu Dhabi Test 2012. Misbah clears the ropes vs Monty. Botham says "Not something you associate with him." Pathetic commentary. M always been a clean natural 6 hitter.

Sarfraz Nawaz feels Misbah's presence could have the made the difference at the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. He is a controlled six hitter, plays spin very well and Sarfraz feels there is room for a "proper" batsman in any form of the game. I think Misbah should be appointed captain for all 3 formats till 2016 World Twenty20 and 2016 England tour.