Windies seek revival against Pakistan

The last time the West Indies defeated Pakistan in a Test match at Sabina Park, Clive Lloyd was at the helm when the regional side beat Mushtaq Mohammad's team by 140 runs in 1977.

In more recent memories at the venue, leg spinner Yasir Shah bagged eight wickets to carry the visitors to a seven-wicket win in 2017.

Fast-forward to today, and captain Kraigg Brathwaite has a big task of trying to erase that losing memory, as he leads a circumspect regional side into battle against a fired-up Pakistan unit starting at 10 a.m. today.

While Brathwaite oozed a sense of confidence at the pre-match press conference, head coach Phil Simmons was a little franker in highlighting the team's lack of preparation which he described as a little undercooked. Simmons made it clear that he believes the visitors will start as favourites, having come off back-to-back Test series wins against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

West Indies were beaten by South Africa in their last series, however, Brathwaite is positive about a new series, new venue and World Test Championship points up for grabs.

Young fast bowlers

"It's Test cricket and this is a different series with different conditions. Pakistan is always a good Test team and they have a lot of young fast bowlers as well," he said. "The guys know what they have to do and it won't be easy. Mentally the guys are in a good space and positive, and we look forward to the challenge that Pakistan will give us."

Having named their 13-man squad yesterday, the West Indies have left out off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall who was expected to factor on the Sabina Park surface, after claiming five wickets in the Best vs Best warm-up game last week. Batsman Shamarh Brooks, who scored a century in the same game, is also omitted.

Pakistan will rely on their all-around game to continue their winning trend, with captain Babar Azam leading a solid middle order which also should include Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fawad Alam.

After claiming a series leading 25 wickets the last time Pakistan visited the Caribbean, Yasir Shah should factor once again with the ball, along with Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi.