ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are all set to face West Indies in the opening Test at the Multan Stadium starting Friday (today), armed with a formidable spin attack and aiming to replicate their spinners’ stellar performance from the second Test against England.
The playing XI features an impressive array of spin options, with Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, and the newly included Abrar Ahmed ready to exploit a spin-friendly track. Salman Ali Agha adds depth as a fourth spinning option, making the pitch a battleground for spinners from the get-go.
Interestingly, the team has opted for a lone pacer, Khurram Shahzad, emphasizing their spin-heavy strategy. With conditions favoring turn and low bounce, it’s poised to be a gripping contest where spinners could dictate the fate of the match.
Following a long wait, 23-year old Mohammad Huraira will become the 258th player to make a Test debut for Pakistan. Kamran Ghulam was 257th with Huraira being the next to be given the Test cap on Friday morning.
Pakistan will look to end their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign on a high. The first Test starts on January 17, followed by the second from January 25, to be hosted at the same venue.
For the first time since December 2006, West Indies are set to play a Test match on Pakistani soil. Historically, Pakistan claimed a commanding 2-0 series victory in the 2006 encounter, led by PCB Hall of Famer Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The last red-ball clash between the two teams was in 2021 in the West Indies, where the two-match series ended 1-1.
Under the captaincy of Shan Masood, Pakistan aims to build on their recent success, having defeated England 2-1 at home last October. West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, currently sit at the bottom of the ICC Test Championship table but bring renewed determination to challenge Pakistan in their backyard.
Abrar and Sajid are on the verge of milestones, needing 11 and six wickets respectively to reach 50 Test scalps. Pakistan underwent three days of intensive training in Multan, while West Indies practiced for two days after a competitive three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad.
Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood hoped to end the series on impressive note: “This is our final series in the ICC World Test Championship cycle, and we are determined to end it with a memorable win.
Test cricket demands adaptability, and we are prepared to meet the challenges posed by West Indies. The series win against England has boosted our confidence, and we aim to carry forward this momentum.”
Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies Test captain, wanted to make an impact in his first Test series in Pakistan: “We are thrilled to be here in Pakistan. For many of us, this is our first visit, and we’re eager to perform well in these conditions. Facing a strong side like Pakistan on their home turf is a challenge, but we are prepared. Taking 20 wickets will be key, and our preparation sessions have been very fruitful.”
As both the teams gear up, fans can expect a thrilling series with high stakes, milestones, and the spirit of Test cricket taking center stage. Teams: Pakistan playing XI: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Huraira (debut), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
West Indies XII: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo (wicket-keeper), Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, Kevin Sinclair, Mikyle Louis and Tevin Imlach.