Mohsin Khan says, Pakistan can be world number one

Spinners-inspired Pakistan, who had drubbed England by ten wickets in Dubai inside three days, bundled out Andrew Strauss’ men for just 72 on Saturday to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three Test series.

“I think this team has the capacity to become the world’s best team. Our target should be to gradually come in the top three in both Tests and one-day, and then gradually go to world number one,” Mohsin said while speaking to AFP on Sunday.

With the back-to-back victories in the first two Tests, Pakistan, who are currently placed on the fifth position, have earned the chance to complete their first whitewash against England when the both teams will meet again in Dubai for the final Test, starting from February 3.

We have to perform well outside subcontinent: Mohsin

Mohsin, however, warned that Pakistan need to perform the outside subcontinent to perk up their rankings.

“God willing, it can done gradually and hopefully we will touch the top but for that we have to perform well in other parts of the world (England, Australia and South Africa), so that means we have to prove a lot,” said Mohsin, who over as interim coach after Waqar Younis’s quit in September last year.

On a question about England’s abject surrender against the spin in the both Tests, Mohsin said it was not surprising for him.

“I think our spinners bowled very well. When we go to England our batsmen struggle against swing and here they struggle against spin, but credit to our spinners as they exploited weaknesses and it needs skill to exploit rivals’ weakness,” he said.

Mohsin lauded Misbah’s leadership

Mohsin lauded the leadership skills of skipper Misbah-ul Haq, who lead Pakistan to eight victories in 14 Tests since taking over captaincy in October 2010.

“Misbah is a very good captain and I have a good rapport with him. He gives me respect as coach and as his senior and I give him respect as captain so it’s a mutual thing,” he said.

Since taking the stewardship, Mohsin has led Pakistan to series victories over Sri Lanka Bangladesh and now England, but his future is still unclear and is likely to be replaced by former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore next month.

However he refused to comment about his future saying:

“What Mohsin Khan is today is because of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. My services are always there for my country but I don’t want anybody to take me for granted.”