Pakistan banking on spin for Test success against West Indies

Pakistan is gearing up to rely on their dynamic spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, to challenge the West Indies in the upcoming two-match Test series.

The much-anticipated series begins with the opening Test on January 17 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, marking a historic moment since the West Indies' last visit for a Test tour in 2006.

The hosts keen to maximize their home advantage, especially after their success against England in October. That series saw Pakistan employing spin-friendly pitches to secure a 2-1 victory, ending a winless streak.

Noman and Sajid were pivotal in that triumph and are now joined by the talented Abrar Ahmed, suggesting a potent three-spinner attack for this two-match series. With Pakistan likely to go with Khurram Shehzad as the sole pacer in playing XI, Pakistan’s strategy seems clear: dominate with spin.

The West Indies, under the interim leadership of Andre Coley, face a daunting challenge. The team has struggled recently, winning just two of their last 13 Tests. However, Coley views this series as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Pakistan’s strategy

Pakistan selectors delivered victory against England by taking the bold decision to drop ace batsman Babar Azam and pace pair Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Left-arm spinner Noman and off-spinner Sajid shared 39 of 40 England wickets on pitches baked with patio heaters and dried with fans, clinching the series after losing the first match.

"We bounced back well against England," said skipper Shan Masood of a series that salvaged his reputation after Pakistan lost their first six matches under his captaincy.

"With backs against the wall we did well. We need to learn how to land the first punch," he said after his team suffered a 2-0 defeat in South Africa last week.

Azam has regained his place but Shaheen and Naseem remain out in a bid to manage their workloads.

Opener Saim Ayub is suffering from a calf injury sustained in South Africa and his partner Abdullah Shafique is dropped because of poor form, leaving the door open for the return of experienced Imam-ul-Haq.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq during batting practice at the Multan Cricket Stadium.PCB

However, Imam struggled in the three-day warm-up match against the West Indies, managing just five runs, while Muhammad Hurraira impressed with scores of 80 and 74 in the first and second innings, respectively, bolstering his case for a Test debut.

Visitors aim to counter Pakistan's spin

To counter Pakistan’s spin arsenal, the West Indies will rely on their own spinners, including left-armers Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican, and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair.

Warrican, embracing the challenge of playing in spin-friendly conditions, emphasized the importance of discipline and sticking to basics.

“The key is to balance aggression with precision,” he said, underscoring the need for patience on subcontinental pitches.

This series holds additional significance as the final chapter of the West Indies’ campaign in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship.

With a dismal record of two wins, two draws, and seven losses in 11 matches, the West Indies are currently at the bottom of the standings. However, a series win in Pakistan would elevate them above their hosts, who sit in eighth place.

Warrican expressed the team’s desire to finish the championship on a high note, calling it a chance to “end with a bang.”

Preparations for the series have been meticulous. The West Indies drew a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens, providing valuable practice in adapting to local conditions.

"The preparation has been very well. We had a couple days to practice and play our practice game as well and I think the guys took the opportunity to get familiar with the conditions and prepare well for the Test series starting on Friday," Warrican said.

Despite challenges such as injuries to Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph opting to play T20 cricket, the visitors are determined to make an impact. Kemar Roach will lead the pace attack, adding experience to their bowling lineup.

Pitch preparation

The Multan Cricket Stadium pitch is also a focal point. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has employed innovative methods to prepare spinner-friendly surfaces, using a “greenhouse concept” to counter the cold and moist conditions of Multan’s foggy winter.

This approach, involving heaters under greenhouse-like covers, ensures the pitch remains dry and conducive to spin.

PCB employing green house and heaters to prepare spin track at the Multan Cricket Stadium for the Test series between Pakistan and West Indies.PCB

“The idea is to keep the pitch dry and firm, ensuring consistent conditions that favor spin bowlers. Multan’s winter weather, with its fog and high moisture levels, can make it challenging to prepare pitches that behave predictably. This technology allows us to control the environment and create the conditions we need,” PCB head curator said.

The second Test, scheduled for January 25, will likely determine which team avoids finishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Both teams are out of contention for the final, with South Africa and Australia having already secured their spots. However, the series remains crucial for pride and rankings.

Squads

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.