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London - If results in other Test series around the globe all fall into place, Pakistan could find themselves as the top Test nation by the end of the month, and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq says it would be well-deserved.
Pakistan drew their Test series against England two all, by winning the fourth Test at The Oval, and need a few results to go their way. Sri Lanka need to beat Australia 2-0 or better, while the West Indies need to draw the fourth Test against India.
Misbah feels that the team he has skippered since 2010 deserves all they get, because of not being able to play at home, instead playing the UAE. He says it's not easy, as they're away from family and friends for most of the year.
Misbah said: "This team deserves that for six years of not playing any games at home. Sometimes people think it's really easy for us playing in the UAE. They think the wickets suit us and we win there.
"But just living every day away from your country, without your family and friends, and playing every game away from Pakistan, is really difficult. It's mentally tough.
"I can only see my mother once a year. I only see my sister once a year. Some of my friends, I could not see for three or four years because of these commitments. We are out of the country all the time. There are a lot of tours and even our home series are in the UAE. We go from West Indies to New Zealand to Australia. It's not easy.
"But still the team is winning. Still the team is playing competitive cricket. There were lots of questions before we came here about whether we could only play in Asian conditions, but we have shown that we are good enough to play even in these conditions. At one stage we were winning this series.
"I'm really proud of this team and I think that, if we can be No. 1 after all these results, then we really deserve that."
The skipper added that he was pleased with the way the team found back to two all after being behind heading to The Oval, but was also a bit disappointed to have a drawn series after winning the first Test at Lord's, and leading at one stage in Birmingham.
He added: "I am happy with the character shown by the Pakistan team. After two defeats, they fought back in this game and won.
"This is pleasing for me. This team has character and stood up the occasion, fought hard and levelled the series. Winning this match means a lot.
"The important point is that you should keep believing as a team and individuals. These players have been playing for six years and they have performed in difficult situations.
"Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Younis Khan have played winning knocks under pressure and our bowling always stands out. We knew that, when the batsmen found form and we were able to combine our performances with the bat and the ball, we could do well. We had belief throughout the series.
"After the situation we were in after the third day at Edgbaston, I am a bit disappointed that the series is level. Losing from there is a little disappointing. But credit must be given to England."
