Pakistan reset under Babar Azam as Windies hold home edge in Test series

Pakistan's two-match Test series against West Indies begins with more than just World Test Championship points at stake. The opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will be the first-ever Test played at the venue, making it the 13th Test ground in the Caribbean and only the second in Trinidad after Queen's Park Oval.

Can Babar Azam make a winning return as Test captain?

Babar Azam begins his second stint as Pakistan's Test captain, tasked with rebuilding a side searching for consistency. Pakistan have won just one of their last four Tests, while West Indies have managed only one victory in their previous 10, making this a crucial fresh start for both teams.

What will Pakistan's playing XI look like?

Pakistan's warm-up match has left the selectors with several difficult decisions.

Azan Awais appears set to open alongside Shan Masood after scoring a century, while Imam-ul-Haq's scores of 10 and 14 have put his place under threat.

Uncapped Awais Zafar is pushing for a Test debut after an impressive 64, while Abdullah Fazal has strengthened his claims with unbeaten knocks of 50 and 48 despite batting out of position.

Babar Azam is expected to bat at number four, with Mohammad Rizwan at six and Salman Ali Agha at seven. Aamer Jamal is also in contention to return as the pace-bowling all-rounder.

Who will complete Pakistan's bowling attack?

Khurram Shahzad is almost certain to lead the pace attack after taking eight wickets in his previous Test.

Mohammad Ali boosted his chances with a five-wicket haul in the warm-up, but Mohammad Abbas' outstanding record in the Caribbean makes him a strong contender as well.

Pakistan could also hand left-arm spinner Ali Usman a Test debut, although overcast conditions and a grassy surface may persuade the visitors to field four seamers instead.

How has West Indies been weakened?

West Indies will be without one of their biggest match-winners.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has made himself unavailable despite being fit, with head coach Daren Sammy admitting his absence is a major loss.

However, Sammy remains confident that Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach and the rest of the bowling unit can deliver the 20 wickets needed to win Tests.

Who are West Indies' new faces?

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has earned his maiden Test call-up after taking 119 wickets in just 25 first-class matches.

Batter Kirk McKenzie also returns after replacing the injured John Campbell following an outstanding domestic season.

Will home conditions give West Indies the edge?

West Indies enter the series with the advantage of familiar Caribbean conditions, a settled bowling attack and the possibility of rain assisting their seamers.

Those factors make the hosts slight favourites heading into the opening Test.

What could decide the series?

Pakistan's biggest battle may come before the first ball is bowled.

Babar Azam and the selectors must decide whether to reward recent form or trust experienced campaigners in conditions that have traditionally challenged visiting teams.

Those selection calls, combined with the weather and the new venue, could determine who takes the early advantage in this closely contested Test series.

What are the squads?

West Indies: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah