Sources say Pakistan’s team management is considering seven specialist batters and a possible Test debut for spinner Ali Usman in the series opener against West Indies.
Tarouba, Trinidad – Web Desk: Pakistan’s team management has begun early consultations on the playing eleven for the first Test against West Indies, with sources indicating a plan to field seven specialist batters in the series opener starting Saturday.
According to sources, the batting lineup is expected to include Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha is also likely to be included and is expected to be used as a fifth bowling option alongside the specialist attack. Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are also reported to be part of the XI under consideration.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman is strongly tipped for his Test debut, sources said, while one of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to take the second fast-bowling slot. The final composition of the attack is likely to depend on conditions and fitness assessments closer to the match.
Sources further indicated that the team management has asked the bowlers to also work on their batting ahead of the match, reflecting the management’s push for a more balanced lineup capable of contributing runs down the order. Player fitness will reportedly be reviewed before the final eleven is confirmed.
On the pitch itself, sources said curators at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba have prepared a grass surface, covering it with brown rather than green grass, suggesting a wicket that could offer some assistance to both spin and pace as the match progresses.
The reported plans come after Pakistan’s warm-up fixture in Port of Spain, where the tourists had the better of a four-day contest against a West Indies Select XI that ended in a draw. Babar Azam, who recently returned for a second stint as Test captain, scored a century in that match, as did opening batter Azan Awais, while fast bowler Mohammad Ali claimed a five-wicket haul.
Pakistan’s full Test squad for the West Indies tour was announced on July 5, led by Babar Azam, and also includes players such as Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan and Ubaid Shah among others named to the group. The two-match series is part of Pakistan’s away commitments this year, with a three-Test tour of England to follow in August and September.
The first Test between Pakistan and West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, with the second and final Test scheduled for Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, from August 2.
