WI coach Simmons accepts underdog tag

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons says his team won't be starting as favourites, despite playing at home against Pakistan when the first of two Test matches bowl off on Thursday at Sabina Park.

The West Indies are coming off a hammering by South Africa in their recent two-Test series, while Pakistan are brimming with confidence following back-to-back Test series wins against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

With the series kicking off the new cycle of the International Cricket Council World Test Championship, Simmons is hoping that the team can find some resolve and dig deep against the resolute Pakistanis.

"It's going to be another tough series as Pakistan are coming here on a high. We have played well in a couple of Test series and we didn't play well in the last series. Even though we are at home, we are a bit of an underdog in this, but we know we are going to try and put everything into it to make sure we come out on top," said Simmons.

The West Indies selectors have recalled fast bowler Chemar Holder and middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks in a 17-man provisional squad for the series. Holder made his Test debut in New Zealand last year but has not featured since. Brooks last played in New Zealand and has earned a recall following a polished century in the Best vs Best four-day match last week. Additionally, left-hander Darren Bravo and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel will not feature in the upcoming two-match series.

Batting needs improving

In the meantime, Simmons is hoping that the players who did well in the recent warm-up game can carry their form into the series, once given the opportunity.

"It's the start of a new series and we are looking and trying to the best of our ability to make things improve. There is no hiding from the fact that our batting needs improving where we can get to a stage of scoring 400 in an innings more consistently. We hope our bowlers continue doing their job well and help us to get higher up," added Simmons.

FULL SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice-Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican.