I only wanted to hit bad balls: Misbah

KOLKATA: Misbah-ul-Haq said Monday that while scoring his maiden century in the second Test against India here he only wanted to hit the bad balls and not make mistakes. That the century came on the birthday of his son was like the icing on the cake.

"When you come to bat in the middle order, at number five or six, you have to bat according to the match situation. An experienced bowler like Anil Kumble was bowling on a third day's wicket that had broken a lot and it was difficult so you have to apply yourself," said Misbah who remained unbeaten on 161 in Pakistan's 456.

"I was thinking when I was in the middle that if I get a good ball then its fine, but I won't make a mistake," he said after inspiring Pakistan to fight back after India posted a mammoth 616 for five declared.

Misbah and Kamran Akmal, who hammered 119, were involved the in most crucial partnership of the innings worth 207 for the sixth wicket that helped Pakistan avoid the follow-on on a day when Misbah's son turned two.

"The wicket was helping spinners a lot yesterday and today. Yesterday, it was giving bounce and turn for Harbhajan Singh. The wicket definitely has turn but if a batsman applies himself and plays proper cricket he can score runs," he said.

"Players do well when they are confident. Kamran and I played confidently even though we were five down. Our job was to go out there and fight, so there was not much pressure on us," he said.

"We just went out there and tried our best and we succeeded. We hope to continue doing it."

India, 141 for two in their second innings, are now ahead by 301 overall and should declare their innings sometime in the first session Tuesday.

"In Test cricket you have to deal with the situation If the Indian team sets a target then we will go out and play normal wicket," he said.

"If a situation develops where our openers give us a good start, maybe then we can decide whether to chase the target or just play out the day."

Misbah said if Pakistan manage to force a draw, it would give them an edge in the third and final Test starting Saturday in Bangalore.

"I think psychologically it (draw) will be a big boost for us. We had lost the toss and batting second was not easy on the third and fourth day. India batted in good conditions and put up a big total so definitely the pressure was on us," he said.

"It was not easy to score batting second in such difficult conditions. So, if a team fights back in such tough conditions, the confidence level is boosted and that is what happened to us."