MULTAN: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first in the first Test of the two-match home series against West Indies here on Friday.
The series opener experienced a delay in the coin toss due to a thick blanket of fog enveloping the city, creating a murky atmosphere that limited visibility. The toss took place after Lunch under a bright sun.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood revealed that his side would aim to post a big total in the first innings.
“We have to think about home conditions and look at ways that make it difficult for us to beat at home,” he said. “And looking at different oppositions we would like to have a variety of pitches ready to use, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.”
Meanwhile, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite stated he also wanted to bat first, however, now they will try to be disciplined with the ball and build up dot-ball pressure.
It’s worth noting that 22-year-old top-order batter Mohammad Huraira is set to make his debut for Pakistan in the first Test against West Indies.
He was included in the line-up in place of Saim Ayub, who sustained a fractured ankle on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa earlier this month.
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Huraira, who has scored 3427 runs in 44 first-class games, will open the innings with Pakistan captain Shan Masood, while Babar Azam, who opened the innings in the Cape Town Test, will return to his usual number three spot.
Kamran Ghulam, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will form Pakistan’s middle order.
Pakistan team management have included Khurram Shahzad as the sole pacer in the Playing XI with a potent spin-heavy bowling attack for the series opener against West Indies.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who helped Pakistan defeat England 2-1 in their last home Test series, will form the spin attack, alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.
West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales
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