Pakistan and West Indies have promised a strong finish when they meet in the first Test in Multan on Friday, despite trailing at the back of the World Test Championship.
Pakistan are currently eighth in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, with their rivals occupying the last spot far behind finalists Australia and South Africa.
Captain Shan Masood said the two-Test series was important for Pakistan, who finished sixth and seventh in the first two rounds of the WTC.
“This cycle is ending, so this series is important for us because we want to become a better team by being undefeated at home,” he told reporters on Thursday.
Pakistan ended an 11-Test home winless streak by beating England 2-1 in October and Masood wants his side to continue winning at home despite a 2-0 defeat in South Africa this month .
“We won against England, so it will be important to maintain that momentum against West Indies,” Masood said.
West Indies finished eighth in the previous two WTCs and skipper Kraigg Brathwaite wants to finish on a positive note this time.
“I think this series is very important with two Tests left in this cycle… so we want to start the year strong and that’s our aim,” Brathwaite said.
He said his players were ready for Pakistan’s onslaught led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took 39 wickets between them against England.
“We played in spin conditions in Bangladesh and those conditions are similar, so you have to be disciplined and brave against any bowler,” Brathwaite said.
Pakistan deployed industrial fans and patio heaters to dry out the Multan pitch and secure their series victory against England after heavy rain.
They are ready to use the same tactics again if necessary, with the second Test also taking place in Multan from January 25.
The tourists got a taste of such conditions during their three-day practice match in Islamabad, where Alick Athanaze scored a half-century in both innings and newcomer Amir Jangoo scored an unbeaten 63.
West Indies have used a three-pronged spin attack of Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie in this match, but will be without pace spearhead Kemar Roach, who is ill.
Wicketkeeper batting Joshua Da Silva was overlooked.
– Split test –
Holders Australia and South Africa will play the championship final at Lord’s in June.
However, poorer WTC countries such as Pakistan and the West Indies will be wary of reports that leading countries such as India, Australia and England favor a two-tier system of promotion and relegation.
The plan could mean lower-ranked teams will not be able to play tests against top nations.
“If there is a two-tier system, then it must be exciting,” Masood said. “There should be relegation and promotion of teams and each team should go through more tests.
“We want more and more Test cricket. The downside for most countries is that they only play four to five Tests a year and that hurts.”
sh/pbt