TRINIDAD: Pakistan team management has begun preliminary discussions over the playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.
The likely batting lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and serve as the team’s fifth bowling option.
Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are also set to be included in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Ali Usman is likely to make his Test debut, while one of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.
Team management has reportedly instructed the bowlers to focus on improving their batting as well, while the final playing XI will be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness.
The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where curators have prepared a grass-covered surface featuring brown rather than green grass.
More read, Pakistan, West Indies unveil trophy ahead of Two-Test series
Earlier, a new chapter in Test cricket history is set to begin as Pakistan and the West Indies unveiled the trophy for their upcoming two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where the opening Test will mark the venue’s debut as a Test cricket ground.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies skipper Roston Chase jointly unveiled the trophy during a ceremony and posed for photographs ahead of the highly anticipated contest.
The two-match Test series is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams eyeing crucial points to strengthen their positions in the championship standings.
