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The West Indies are set to play Pakistan for Test cricket action, starting from January 17, scheduled at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Both the teams will look forward to registering wins against the other team and end the test cricket season on a high before the Champions Trophy 2025.
West Indies’ hits a new low in Test cricket
Spirits are not particularly high for the West Indies ahead of their clash against Pakistan in the longest format of the game. The Caribbeans have suffered in Test cricket throughout the WTC cycle 2023-25. The former world champions are at the bottom of the current WTC standings with just 2 wins in the cycle and 7 losses, while 2 matches ended in a draw. Thus, the Percentage Points (PCT) of the West Indies currently stands at a dreadful 24.24. The Windies last registered a Test win against Bangladesh in November 2024 and are currently at risk of ending at the bottom in the current WTC cycle. Thus, a win for the West Indies in the upcoming 2-match series against Pakistan is a must.
Key challenges and opportunities for the West Indies
For the West Indies, their top-order batting consistency remains a key concern, as early collapses could expose their middle order to Pakistan’s potent bowling unit. However, the Windies have the opportunity to capitalize on some exceptional talents in their squad which could aid their current situation in the longest format of the game. The pitch for the upcoming Test match is expected to remain a bit slow and have unexpected turn which can prove beneficial for spinners. West Indies, therefore, should dim for a solid partnerships in their top and middle order and have a dedicated spin attack in their bowling unit so that they can trouble the Pakistani batters as the match progresses.
Also Read: PAK vs WI: Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test against West Indies – Predicted
Here’s the predicted playing XI for the West Indies in the 1st Test against Pakistan
1. Kraigg Braithwaite: The skipper and the character
Without a doubt, Kraigg Braithwaite is more than the skipper of the West Indies Test squad. He is the one responsible for scoring runs on the board and keep this team intact against a determined Pakistani who has earlier troubled the England side in Test on their home soil.
2. Alick Athanaze: The pillar of West Indies batting unit
Another important part of the West Indies batting order, Alick Athanaze has the ability to support Braithwaite as a dependable opening partner and can support the team with his sensible batting in times of need. However, Athanaze needs to handle the initial overs and aim to play a long innings for his team.
3. Tevin Imlach: A golden opportunity for the young gun
Tevin Imlach was selected in the West Indies squad at the backdrop of an impressive performance in first-class cricket. The youngster needs to prove his worth and continue his impressive domestic cricket form against Pakistan. Imlach also impressed in the practice match concluded recently in which he played a 57-run knock against Pakistan Shaheens.
4. Joshua Da Silva: The talented wicket-keeper batter
Joshua Da Silva is another promising batter for the West Indies who has the ability to score runs according to the needs and situation of the game. The 26-year-old has struggled with form in the past however, he has the ability to play a storming innings and trouble Pakistani bowlers.
5. Amir Jangoo: The debutant with an expertise against spin
Amir Jangoo is another young West Indies batter with an impressive domestic record. The 27-year-old came to the spotlight after scoring his maiden ODI century against Bangladesh on debut. A repeat of the impressive performance is expected from him against Pakistan. Jangoo is also known for his versatility on the pitch as a quality fielder and wicket-keeper apart from batting talents.
6. Justin Greaves: The all-rounder with a set role
Justin Greaves is particularly important for the West Indies in order to bowl some overs in the middle of long spells from traditional bowlers. A player with such a profile is particularly important in sub-continent conditions. Greaves is also handy with the bat and has contributed runs for the team in the past.
7. Kavem Hodge: The dependable all-rounder
Kavem Hodge has a similar role to Greaves. However, the difference is that Hodge has a proven record as an all-rounder for the West Indies. The 31-year-old is the leading run-scorer for the West Indies in 2024 with 586 runs in Test cricket. Additionally, a slow left arm orthodox bowler can prove worthy for Windies on a pitch which is expected to be favourable for bowlers.
8. Kemar Roach: An experienced pacer leading the line
Kemar Roach is an experienced campaigner of the Test format. The 36-year-old has taken 282 wickets in Test cricket for his national side. His experience can turn out to be an important factor is bringing out the determination and game sensibility in the West Indies squad. Roach is also a natural leader in the bowling unit and can guide other young bowlers on the way to bowl in sub-continent conditions.
9. Gudakesh Motie: The spinner on a mission
Gudakesh Motie has proven his worth in white-ball cricket as a sharp spinner with a remarkable ability to take wickets. The youngster however has to now prove the same in the longest format of the game by taking advantage of the favourable conditions for spin bowling.
10. Jayden Seales: The impeccable wicket-taker
Jayden Seales is the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in last 1 year with 35 wickets to his name in 13 innings. The 23-year-old young pace sensation has two 5-wicket hauls in the year 2024 and has particularly exceeded expectations against Pakistan by taking 11 wickets in 2 Test matches that he has played.
11. Kevin Sinclair: A perfect blend of experience and intensity
The youngster has shown promising signs against Shaheens during the warm-up match and took 3 wickets in the second innings of Shaheens. Taking an extra spinner can be beneficial on the slow Multan track which favours spin bowling.
