A new year and a seemingly new Misbah-ul-Haq, with the embattled Pakistan captain dismissing talk of retirement.

Misbah's position in the Pakistan team has come under fire throughout the series against Australia, who lead 2-0, having only managed a total of 20 runs heading into the third and final Test in Sydney, starting Tuesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said Misbah will remain as skipper for the SCG Test as he continues to ponder his future but the 42-year-old dismissed suggestions he is ready to retire.

"That was 2016 - now it's 2017," Misbah told reporters on Monday in reference to comments over his future following the innings and 18-run defeat in Melbourne. "That is gone, that is gone.

"You have to fight as a sportsman and that's important for me also. I'm happy that I've got a very good family, all the team. The way they supported me [was appreciated].

"Everyone, from the support staff to the players - and they're up for that [fight], so I'm also up. I need to play at my best."

As for the team, Misbah refused to name an XI on Monday as the tourists bid to avoid a series whitewash.

"[Selection will be shaped by] looking at the conditions. Traditionally, Sydney is a bit different to all of the [other Australian] venues," he said after Australia named spinner Steve O'Keefe alongside Nathan Lyon for the match.

"It all depends on the final look of the pitch."