There are few things so certain in life as death, taxes and Misbah-ul-Haq facing questions about his future before the final match of a Pakistan Test series. While it is hardly unusual for an international captain to be grilled about their motivation to continue - even Alastair Cook, 11 years younger than his counterpart, was asked similar questions in his press conference - at 42, Misbah knows there are many more Tests behind him than there are ahead.And no matter the result of the match at The Oval, the topic will almost certainly be broached once more at its conclusion; such is the reality of professional cricket life after 40.Misbahs captaincy of Pakistan is arguably one of the most impressive in the history of the game: that he has rebuilt a team in tatters after it was almost ruined by scandal, led them to become one of the worlds best sides despite never playing at home and helped them regain the respect of the international cricket community ensures his legacy will be monumental whenever he does decide to call time on his career.While winning the Investec Test series is now impossible, levelling the scoreline would still be an impressive feather in Misbahs already distinguished cap given the current status quo, in which the disadvantages of playing away from home are so difficult to overcome.Yes, of course, it is a crucial Test for us, Misbah said. A win will square the series and it will be really good for morale, also for the team, and it is very important for me also.Obviously they have the momentum in their own conditions, they are confident but we believe we can come back from any position because this is a do or die Test match for us so we have to really play well.Throughout the series, Pakistan have struggled with the balance of their side. They gaze at Englands allrounders with all the envious desire of a child at a sweet shop window. Their fast bowlers - unused to playing more than three Tests in a series, unfamiliar with the burden of extra overs required in seam-friendly conditions - have been worn down by a grinding England.Somehow, Misbah must find a way to pick up his bowlers and infuse them with the energy required to take 20 wickets and inspire his batsmen, both in-form and struggling, to give him something to defend. But, having banished thoughts of retirement after the series against England in the UAE last year, he maintained he isnt afraid of any consequences for his captaincy should they fail to square the series.I dont have that sort of fear otherwise I would have retired long ago, Misbah said. I am always up for challenges and never thought of the results. I believe in just looking at the challenges and trying hard.Another daunting Test tour looms in Pakistans near future. After returning to the UAE to host West Indies, they will head to New Zealand for two Tests and then Australia for a three-Test series where the experience of Misbah and Younis Khan, in particular, could be crucial. Misbah has been Pakistans leading run-scorer in England, with 267 at 44.50, but would not be drawn on how much longer he hopes to continue playing.Its really difficult for me to leave the team on these difficult tours, Misbah said. Thats why Im here on this tough series. Ill be looking forward to that [Australia tour], but lets see how it goes after this series, and how I plan my future.That could be really hard for someone young - even as a batsman to replace me in Australian conditions - and obviously it would be a challenge for a young captain.Of course, there will always be challenging tours and series and, no matter when Misbah does decide to move on, he will leave an enormous crater for Pakistan to fill. But, in the meantime, there is The Oval, there is a chance to level the series and there is the possibility - albeit a slim one - that Pakistan could become the No. 1-ranked side in the world for the first time since the implementation of ICC rankings.I will keep trying throughout this Test and if Pakistan needs me afterwards, thats another point. I will think about that after the series but for the moment this is important for me and the Pakistan team. I will just go about this Test match. Thunder Jerseys China .R. Smith realized how easily basketball can be taken from him, and he wasnt going to take his place in the NBA for granted anymore. Cheap Custom Thunder Jersey . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. http://www.customthunderjersey.com/ . Haas said he "felt a lot of pain" in his right shoulder when he slammed his racket to the ground in frustration after losing his serve at 3-3 in the first set. Custom Thunder Jersey China . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Authentic Custom Thunder Jersey . P.A. Parenteau scored early in the third period to help the Avs edge Toronto 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cory Sarich also scored for Colorado (3-0-0), which is off to its best ever start. CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox stayed quiet at Mondays non-waiver trade deadline and held onto All-Star pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana.Dont think that means management is satisfied.General manager Rick Hahn again expressed his frustration and hinted at changes this offseason after making no major moves before Mondays deadline.Where were at right now, essentially in the middle of the pack, is not acceptable and not where we want to be, he said. Our approach of trying to keep things together, of trying to contend each year, hasnt gotten us to where weve been able to have sustained success or achieve at the level we want to.Chicago is third in the AL Central at 51-54 after a 23-10 start and in danger of missing the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years since the 2005 championship season. There were rumors that Sale and Quintana could be dealt, but nothing materialized.The only move the White Sox made was a minor one when they dealt reliever Zach Duke to St. Louis for minor league outfielder Charlie Tilson on Sunday.Hahn would not commit to a full overhaul this offseason -- out of respect, he said, for the players and coaches trying to win every game for the remainder of the season.Even so, he made it clear that possibility is on the table, just as he did recently when he said the White Sox are mired in mediocrity.He said the frustration extends all the way to chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Adding to it is the fact that they have some very special talent.There are certainly multiple pieces here that are capable of playing important roles on a championship club, Hahn said.dddddddddddd Its extraordinarily frustrating to all of us that it hasnt played out other than the first six weeks or so of the season.Hahn said the White Sox had intriguing discussions with other teams, though nothing we felt strongly enough to bring to Jerry.Sale and Quintana would no doubt command high prices on the trade market if the White Sox went the overhaul route. Thats something the organization has refused to do in recent years, instead trying to stay competitive through trades and free agency.Further complicating any talks involving Sale and Quintana is that both are on team-friendly contracts that dont expire anytime soon.The White Sox would have to be blown away by an offer and Hahn said contenders looking to add at the trade deadline did not want to part with players contributing in the majors. He believes more teams will be in the market in the offseason.Its gonna be different, and in all probability, its gonna be stronger, he said. We are going to be open-minded the next few weeks and head into the offseason with a desire to improve ourselves for the long term. And the clubs ... at that point may be quite different from the ones we were talking to over the last few weeks.Game notes The White Sox optioned OF J.B. Shuck to Triple-A Charlotte. He is batting .218 in 53 games over two stints with the major league club. ' ' '