DUBAI // Misbah-ul-Haq has refuted the idea that Pakistan's unexpected win over South Africa in Abu Dhabi last week will silence his critics - but he claims he seldom listens to the doomsayers, anyway.
Earlier this month, Pakistan's captain celebrated three years in a role which usually has the shelf life of over-ripe mangoes.
He and his charges arrived in the UAE on the back of a Test defeat in Zimbabwe, which predictably brought with it a torrent of criticism.
After bouncing back from that by beating the world's No 1 side at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Cricket Stadium, Misbah was back in favour and widely praised.
He acknowledges that the captain of the Pakistan national team will never be able to please all of the people all of the time.
But he is happy that the support he has been shown by "legends" of Pakistan cricket has been unwavering. "I'm not surprised by anything," said Misbah, 39.
"Sometimes, I hear people say something, but most of the time I don't listen. After 15 or 20 years of playing cricket, I know what I'm doing right and doing wrong.
"If you see the legends, they are appreciating me. Only some of the guys who don't have a role in Pakistan cricket and don't have a say in Pakistan cricket come out with something.
"It happens. My focus is on cricket, on doing well in every game. I don't bother with what people are saying. If I listen to them, my career should have been over in 2001."
Pakistan will rarely have a better chance of completing a series whitewash over the Proteas, with star Hashim Amla definitely missing Wednesday's second Test, and Dale Steyn an injury doubt.
They have previous experience of doing just that against the world's top ranked Test side.
England arrived on these shores last year with that mantle, yet were dealt a 3-0 humbling by Misbah's side.
The UAE is a formidable adopted home for the Pakistanis, and Graeme Smith, South Africa's captain, says his side need to scale a "fortress" if they are to square the series here this week.
"We have good reference points to fall back on, but we have to respect the fact Pakistan have played well in the UAE of late," Smith said. "They are creating a little fortress for themselves here in terms of their performances.
"From our perspective, it is a nice challenge to hopefully go out and beat them here and break that streak they have had."
pradley@thenational.ae
