Pakistan Eyes All-Spin Strategy in Second Test Against West Indies

MULTAN, Pakistan — Pakistan is considering an all-spin bowling attack for the second Test against the West Indies, following the overwhelming success of their spinners in the first Test. The match, set to begin on January 25, 2025, in Multan, could see Pakistan fielding three specialist spinners and no pace bowlers, a strategy buoyed by their recent dominance on spin-friendly pitches.

In the first Test, which concluded on the third day, Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed took all 20 wickets. This performance has led the team management to consider bolstering their batting lineup by adding opener Imam ul Haq, potentially playing with eight batters. “The team management feels that since the spinners have been in top form and Salman Ali Agha and Kamran Ghulam are also capable part-time spinners, it would be better to play with an additional batsman,” a PCB source revealed.

West Indies, on the other hand, are grappling with the challenges posed by the spin-heavy conditions. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed his surprise at the state of the pitch, stating, “I’ve played on surfaces that spun from day one, but this was the first time I’ve seen such cracks on a pitch on day one.” Despite these challenges, West Indies’ spinners, particularly Jomal Warrican, who took 11 wickets in the first Test, have shown they can compete.

Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed defended the decision to prepare spin-friendly pitches, emphasizing the strategic advantage against the West Indies’ batting lineup. “Of course, we were right to prepare a spin pitch against West Indies. Their batters are not as proficient against spin when compared to fast bowling,” Javed said.

As both teams finalize their playing elevens, the focus remains on how West Indies will adapt to the spin challenge and whether Pakistan’s bold strategy will pay off in their quest to continue their winning streak in Multan.