Pakistan recover from Jayden Seales assault on Day 1
Fri, Jan 17, '25
Half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan wrestled momentum back for Pakistan after Jayden Seales' triple-strike had put West Indies in the box seat in Multan. On a surface tailor-made for spin, it was the fast bowler who proved the pick of the bunch, exploiting pace and slight seam movement to send debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam and Babar Azam back for single figures. Pakistan had, at that point, been reduced to 46 for 4, with West Indies looming ominously over the tail. But a gritty unbeaten 97-run rearguard for the fifth wicket, from Rizwan and Shakeel, thwarted the visitors for the rest of the day, to ensure Pakistan would end the day with a semblance of control.
After the start was delayed by four hours owing to heavy fog that enveloped the ground, Pakistan won the toss and batted first in hazy conditions with the floodlights on throughout the course of the day. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie bowled the first ball, an indication of how both sides perceived the pitch upon which each played three specialist spinners. Motie got rid of Pakistan captain Shan Masood early on, squeezing him down to the debutant wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach on the on side, but for the rest of the hour, it was Seales' show.
He had been sniffing right from the outset, and got his reward when Hurraira hung his bat out and edged to the keeper. It was followed up by a beauty to remove Kamran Ghulam, who had just dispatched an outswinger to the boundary. The next ball, he attempted to shoulder arms but it seamed back into him wickedly, rapping the thigh, with Hawk-Eye showing it would have clipped the top of off.
More to follow on ESPNCricinfo
Joshua Da Silva dropped, Kemar Roach unwell for 1st Pakistan Test
Thu, Jan 16, '25
The timing of this series does not exactly help raise its profile. It comes after the top two World Test Championship (WTC) berths have been decided at the tail-end of the cycle. West Indies are at the bottom of the standings, Pakistan only fractionally ahead of them. This series was originally due to be held in January 2024 and would have carried the potential to turn a side's cycle around but T20Is against New Zealand replaced it. This time, in that larger competition, it is little more than a basement battle.
At a remove from the WTC, though, there's more intrigue. West Indies will be playing a Test in Pakistan after more than 18 years, although they have played Pakistan in the UAE in the meantime. This series will be a continuation of the PCB's experiment, so successful against England last year, to turn the pitches in Pakistan into havens for spin bowling. It was in Multan, where both Tests against West Indies will be held, that this was first tried. Pakistan have made no secret they will look to replicate it there again, with heaters and a makeshift greenhouse making this look as much cutting-edge horticulture as pitch preparation.
They have the squad, especially the bowlers, for such conditions, too. The express quicks have been left out, and Sajid Khan is back to partner Noman Ali, as is Abrar Ahmed, who had missed the last two Tests against England with illness. Shan Masood continues to lead the side. He will open the innings in a batting line-up that has also seen a tweak. Abdullah Shafique's loss of form and Saim Ayub's injury have pushed Masood up the order and also brought debutant Muhammad Hurraira into the fold.
But the spin-experiment could meet more resistance from West Indies than it did from England. The latter attempted to subdue Pakistan with the same cavalier belligerence that has served them well on flatter tracks, ending up playing right into the hosts' hands. West Indies are unlikely to do the same, and while they do not possess a star-studded batting line-up, they will show up with one that has experience in these conditions - as well as a spin attack that can potentially thrive in them.
Read more at ESPNcricinfo
Coley says West Indies unfazed by pitch conditions
Thu, Jan 16, '25
MULTAN, Pakistan (CMC) — West Indies Test Head Coach Andre Coley believes that the regional side is fully prepared for whatever conditions they face in their upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
The West Indies will take on the home side in a two-match Test series beginning on Friday as they look to wrap up this cycle of the World Test Championship.
The pitches in Pakistan’s home series against England last October — which they won 2-1 — catered to spin and Pakistan named spinners Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed in their 15-member squad last week.
However, speaking to reporters during a press conference on Wednesday, Coley said the team’s balance meant they were suited for any conditions they encountered.
“I don’t want to comment too much on the pitch. The series between England and Pakistan obviously is history and there is quite a bit to be taken from it.
Read more at Jamaica Observer
Sir Clive set to lead proposed Guyana Cricket Academy
Thu, Jan 16, '25
GEORGETOWN, Guyana– Legendary West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd will head the operations of Guyana’s proposed Cricket Academy.
The announcement was recently made by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr, with the 80-year-old Sir Clive expected to assume the principal role at the country’s premier Cricket Academy.
According to Ramson, the Academy will be a state-of-the-art facility located on a 20-acre plot in Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara.
While hints about Sir Clive’s involvement were first made during a cricket gear distribution event last year, the Minister confirmed that a formal contract with the cricketing legend will be finalised in the coming weeks.
“We have started clearing the area for the Cricket Academy at Good Hope.
“I am pleased to announce that Sir Clive Lloyd has agreed to take a leading role in the project’s execution and the operationalization of the Academy,” Ramson said.
Read more at Guardian
Athanaze, Imlach hit half-centuries as WI draw opening match
Mon, Jan 13, '25
Alick Athanaze and Tevin Imlach both got useful knocks as the West Indies’ three-day tour match against the Pakistan Shaheens predictably ended in a draw here yesterday.
Athanaze scored 58, his second half century of the match, and Imlach added 57, as the Windies declared their second innings on 177 for five, an overall lead of 311.
Mohammad Musa Khan was the pick of the Shaheens’ bowlers with 2-5 while Ali Raza took 2-32.
Mohammad Huraria then cracked a run-a-ball 80 and Umar Bin Yousaf chipped in with 25 and the Shaheens ended on 128 for two.
Read more at Jamaica Gleaner
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