TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (Kashmir English): Pakistan and the West Indies are set to compete in the Test series from tomorrow, as the series trophy was unveiled at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy today.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies skipper Roston Chase came together to unveil the series trophy. The opening Test of the two-match series is scheduled to begin on July 25 at 7 PM PKT.
Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of the island, has previously hosted one-day and T20 internationals along with regional first-class fixtures.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team management has reportedly begun final consultations on the playing XI for the first Test, with sources indicating that the side is likely to field seven specialist batsmen.
According to sources, the specialist batsmen expected to be part of the playing XI include Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Salman Ali Agha will also be part of the team and will provide a fifth bowling option.
The probable XI is also expected to include Amir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is strongly tipped to make his Test debut.
One of the fast bowlers, Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali, is also likely to be included in the final XI.
Sources further said the team management has instructed the bowlers to contribute with the bat, while the fitness of all players will be assessed before the playing XI is finalized.
West Indies squad
Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-captain), Joshua Bishop, Tejnarine Chanderpaul, Joshua de Silva, Justin Graves, Keum Budge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shemar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, and Jaden Sales
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
