Pakistan plans seven-batter lineup for first Test against West Indies

TRINIDAD: Pakistan’s team management has begun finalizing its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.

The likely lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and provide the team with a fifth bowling option.

Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are likely to retain their places in the XI, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is in line to make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.

The team management has also advised the bowlers to improve their batting, with the final playing XI to be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness ahead of the match.

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 pitch featuring brown grass instead of the traditional green surface.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the West Indies  unveiled the trophy for their upcoming Test series ahead of the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies captain Roston Chase took part in the trophy unveiling ceremony, posing with the silverware at the venue where the first Test will be played.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 25, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the two-match contest.