The stage is set for the Pakistan-West Indies Test series as captains Babar Azam and Roston Chase unveiled the series trophy at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy ahead of the opening match.
The first Test between the two sides will begin on July 25, marking the start of Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. Ahead of the opening match of Pakistan’s West Indies tour, the national team management has begun initial discussions regarding the playing XI.
According to sources, Pakistan are considering going into the first Test with seven specialist batsmen. Azan Owais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to feature in the playing XI.
Salman Ali Agha is also likely to be included and will take on the role of the fifth bowling option. Amir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are also expected to be part of the team.
There is a strong possibility that left-arm specialist spinner Ali Usman could make his Test debut, while one of the fast bowlers, Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali, may also be included in the final XI.
Sources added that the team management has instructed the bowlers to improve their batting contributions as well. The players’ fitness will also be assessed before the final playing XI is confirmed.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named its 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, with the Caribbean side set to host the visitors in Trinidad from July 25 to August 6.
The opening Test, scheduled for July 25-29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, will be a landmark occasion as the venue hosts its first-ever men’s Test match. It also becomes the 13th stadium in the Caribbean to stage Test cricket. The second and final Test will be played at the iconic Queen’s Park Oval from August 2-6.
On the other hand, the West Indies have largely retained the squad that clinched a 1-0 Test series triumph over Sri Lanka earlier this month, while also recognising standout domestic performers.
Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has earned his maiden Test call-up after impressing consistently in regional cricket. Representing Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy, Bishop has taken 91 wickets over the last three West Indies Championship seasons, the most by any bowler during that period, making him a deserving addition to the national side.
The selectors have also recalled Jamaica Scorpions batter Kirk McKenzie, a graduate of the West Indies Academy, for his first Test squad since 2024. McKenzie replaces opener John Campbell, who has been sidelined after suffering a left hamstring injury during the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand.
Read more: West Indies announce 15-member Test squad for Pakistan series
