Pakistan is placing its hopes on spinners for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, as the two lowest-ranked teams in the World Test Championship prepare for the series starting on Friday.
The pitch for the first Test in Multan has been prepared using the same method that helped Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali neutralize England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy in October. The groundskeepers successfully dried out the 22-yard strip using large industrial fans and patio heaters.
“We emphasized during the England series that home conditions are crucial in Test cricket,” said Pakistan captain Shan Masood on Thursday. “We adapted our style of play and the type of pitches, and now we will see how we can perform on home ground and carry forward the momentum from the England series.”
Pakistan made a comeback to defeat England 2-1 on dry wickets in Multan and Rawalpindi after losing the first Test by an innings when England posted a record-breaking 823-7 declared in their first innings.
Off-spinner Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman, who claimed 39 of the 40 wickets in the last two Tests against England, are included in the 15-man squad after being overlooked for the away series against South Africa, which Pakistan lost 2-0. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the home series against England due to illness, is also part of the squad, and Pakistan is expected to field three specialist spinners.
Multan will also host the second Test, starting on January 25, due to ongoing upgrades at Pakistan’s two main stadiums in Karachi and Lahore ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy.
