WI look to continue winning ways against Pakistan

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Following their historic Test series win against Sri Lanka, the West Indies will look to create more history in their two-match Test series against Pakistan, which begins today.

The Windies recently ended a two-decade drought by defeating Sri Lanka 1-0 in their recently concluded Test series, and will look to do the same against Pakistan, who they last overcame in a Test series 26 years ago.

The last two Test series involving the two sides ended in 1-1 draws, with the West Indies’ Test win in 2021 ending a 35-year wait for victory on Pakistani soil.

A series victory would also help the Windies secure back-to-back Test series wins for the first time since 2022, when they defeated England and Bangladesh in successive series.

Head coach Daren Sammy said after difficult Test series against Australia, India and New Zealand last year, the Windies were beginning to find their groove in the format.

“Everything is a process. When I took on this job, I looked at the first three Test series we had against Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand, those were really three challenging ones.

“And also with the players, we would have needed the opportunity to fine-tune the team and have them gel well together. We could see some light coming through, especially in the Sri Lanka series, and now we have Pakistan,” Sammy said.

“Looking at the world rankings, we are probably about four or five points behind getting into the top six of the table. So, for me, it’s about trusting the process and understanding what is required ... .”

Test captain Roston Chase said the regional side was close to reaching its goal of finishing in the top five of the Test Championship.

“For this cycle, we initially set out to finish minimum fifth as a realistic goal, and we are going in that direction.

“We want to play a brand of cricket which allows us to improve and take West Indies up the rankings,” Chase said.

Ahead of the series, Chase needs four wickets to reach 100, and 297 runs to get to 3000. If he gets there, he will become the fourth West Indian after Sir Garry Sobers, Carl Hooper and Jason Holder to achieve both milestones.