Multan will host back-to-back Test matches between Pakistan and the West Indies next month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday.
With Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi stadiums undergoing renovations for February’s Champions Trophy, Multan has been selected as the venue for the two-Test series.
England also played consecutive Tests in Multan in October due to the renovation work in Karachi and Lahore.
The West Indies squad will arrive on January 6 and play a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens in Rawalpindi. The first Test is scheduled from January 17-21, with the second starting on January 25.
This will mark the West Indies’ first Test series in Pakistan in over 18 years. The two teams last played a Test series in the United Arab Emirates in 2016, during Pakistan’s home matches there.
West Indies have included uncapped batter Amir Jangoo in their 15-member squad after his century on ODI debut against Bangladesh earlier this month. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the team after missing the Bangladesh series due to his participation in the inaugural Global Super League. Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican are the other spinners in the squad.
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph is unavailable due to shin splints, and Alzarri Joseph is absent because of his commitments with the International League T20 in the UAE.
“Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” head coach Andre Coley stated.
The series is part of the World Test Championship. Pakistan is currently seventh in the standings, while the West Indies are ninth.
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
