The West Indies are set to play Pakistan for Take a look at cricket motion, ranging from January 17, scheduled on the Multan Cricket Stadium. Each the groups will sit up for registering wins in opposition to the opposite workforce and finish the take a look at cricket season on a excessive earlier than the Champions Trophy 2025.
West Indies’ hits a brand new low in Take a look at cricket
Spirits should not significantly excessive for the West Indies forward of their conflict in opposition to Pakistan within the longest format of the sport. The Caribbeans have suffered in Take a look at cricket all through the WTC cycle 2023-25. The previous world champions are on the backside of the present WTC standings with simply 2 wins within the cycle and seven losses, whereas 2 matches resulted in a draw. Thus, the Share Factors (PCT) of the West Indies presently stands at a dreadful 24.24. The Windies final registered a Take a look at win in opposition to Bangladesh in November 2024 and are presently vulnerable to ending on the backside within the present WTC cycle. Thus, a win for the West Indies within the upcoming 2-match sequence in opposition to Pakistan is a should.
Key challenges and alternatives for the West Indies
For the West Indies, their top-order batting consistency stays a key concern, as early collapses may expose their center order to Pakistan’s potent bowling unit. Nevertheless, the Windies have the chance to capitalize on some distinctive skills of their squad which may help their present state of affairs within the longest format of the sport. The pitch for the upcoming Take a look at match is anticipated to stay a bit gradual and have sudden flip which might show useful for spinners. West Indies, subsequently, ought to dim for a strong partnerships of their prime and center order and have a devoted spin assault of their bowling unit in order that they will bother the Pakistani batters because the match progresses.
Additionally Learn: PAK vs WI: Pakistan’s enjoying XI for the primary Take a look at in opposition to West Indies – Predicted
Right here’s the expected enjoying XI for the West Indies within the 1st Take a look at in opposition to Pakistan
1. Kraigg Braithwaite: The skipper and the character
For sure, Kraigg Braithwaite is greater than the skipper of the West Indies Take a look at squad. He’s the one liable for scoring runs on the board and hold this workforce intact in opposition to a decided Pakistani who has earlier troubled the England facet in Take a look at on their dwelling soil.
2. Alick Athanaze: The pillar of West Indies batting unit
One other essential a part of the West Indies batting order, Alick Athanaze has the power to help Braithwaite as a reliable opening companion and might help the workforce together with his smart batting in occasions of want. Nevertheless, Athanaze must deal with the preliminary overs and purpose to play an extended innings for his workforce.
3. Tevin Imlach: A golden alternative for the younger gun
Tevin Imlach was chosen within the West Indies squad on the backdrop of a powerful efficiency in first-class cricket. The teen must show his price and proceed his spectacular home cricket kind in opposition to Pakistan. Imlach additionally impressed within the follow match concluded lately through which he performed a 57-run knock in opposition to Pakistan Shaheens.
4. Joshua Da Silva: The gifted wicket-keeper batter
Joshua Da Silva is one other promising batter for the West Indies who has the power to attain runs based on the wants and state of affairs of the sport. The 26-year-old has struggled with kind up to now nonetheless, he has the power to play a storming innings and bother Pakistani bowlers.
5. Amir Jangoo: The debutant with an experience in opposition to spin
Amir Jangoo is one other younger West Indies batter with a powerful home document. The 27-year-old got here to the highlight after scoring his maiden ODI century in opposition to Bangladesh on debut. A repeat of the spectacular efficiency is anticipated from him in opposition to Pakistan. Jangoo can also be identified for his versatility on the pitch as a high quality fielder and wicket-keeper other than batting skills.
6. Justin Greaves: The all-rounder with a set position
Justin Greaves is especially essential for the West Indies with the intention to bowl some overs in the course of lengthy spells from conventional bowlers. A participant with such a profile is especially essential in sub-continent situations. Greaves can also be helpful with the bat and has contributed runs for the workforce up to now.
7. Kavem Hodge: The reliable all-rounder
Kavem Hodge has the same position to Greaves. Nevertheless, the distinction is that Hodge has a confirmed document as an all-rounder for the West Indies. The 31-year-old is the main run-scorer for the West Indies in 2024 with 586 runs in Take a look at cricket. Moreover, a gradual left arm orthodox bowler can show worthy for Windies on a pitch which is anticipated to be beneficial for bowlers.
8. Kemar Roach: An skilled pacer main the road
Kemar Roach is an skilled campaigner of the Take a look at format. The 36-year-old has taken 282 wickets in Take a look at cricket for his nationwide facet. His expertise can turn into an essential issue is bringing out the dedication and recreation sensibility within the West Indies squad. Roach can also be a pure chief within the bowling unit and might information different younger bowlers on the way in which to bowl in sub-continent situations.
9. Gudakesh Motie: The spinner on a mission
Gudakesh Motie has confirmed his price in white-ball cricket as a pointy spinner with a outstanding capacity to take wickets. The teen nonetheless has to now show the identical within the longest format of the sport by benefiting from the beneficial situations for spin bowling.
10. Jayden Seales: The impeccable wicket-taker
Jayden Seales is the main wicket-taker for the West Indies in final 1 yr with 35 wickets to his title in 13 innings. The 23-year-old younger tempo sensation has two 5-wicket hauls within the yr 2024 and has significantly exceeded expectations in opposition to Pakistan by taking 11 wickets in 2 Take a look at matches that he has performed.
11. Kevin Sinclair: An ideal mix of expertise and depth
The teen has proven promising indicators in opposition to Shaheens through the warm-up match and took 3 wickets within the second innings of Shaheens. Taking an additional spinner could be useful on the gradual Multan observe which favours spin bowling.