The Pakistan Test team departed from Islamabad International Airport today for the West Indies to kick off the vital two-match ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series later this month.
The team will go through Doha and London and then to Trinidad and Tobago where they will conduct their final training camp prior to the first Test.
With Babar Azam as the captain, Pakistan will play at two of the iconic Caribbean venues. The first Test is to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, the second at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.
The national side had an intensive training camp at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium prior to the tour.
The players had three days of specific training in the four components of the game – batting, bowling, fielding and fitness.
The team also completed two days of scenario practice, so the coaching staff could evaluate the team’s form, combinations and match readiness before the tough overseas trip.
Read more: PCB reveals Pakistan’s West Indies Test series schedule
Pakistan will also play a four-day warm-up match from July 18-21, a match to help the squad familiarise themselves with the Caribbean environment and get things settled in before the Test series kicks off.
The two-match series of the WTC will continue from July 25 to August 10, and it is hoped that it will play an important part in the championship standings.
This is going to be a competitive series for Pakistan in which Pakistan will be trying to pick up some much-needed points from outside the home ground and West Indies will be keen to maximise the advantage of home support and conditions.
Babar Azam, who was named captain for Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies, has given a special message to his fans before leaving Pakistan for the West Indies tour urging remember the team in their prayers.
According to details, Pakistan Test team captain Babar Azam said that he feels proud to have been given the responsibility and is ready for the upcoming challenges. He also asked his fans to pray for the national team.
Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the West Indies series
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Owais Zafar, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.
FAQs
1) When is the Pakistan vs West Indies Test series going to commence?
After playing four days of warm-up matches, the first Test is scheduled to commence on July 25.
2. What is the significance of the series?
The matches are part of the World Test Championship, and both teams are looking for points to better their position at the points table.
Also read: Pakistan test squad kicks off training camp ahead of West Indies tour
