West Indies vs Pakistan begin two-match Test series July 25
The West Indies and Pakistan will begin a two-match Test series on Saturday, July 25, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The opening match, scheduled to run until July 29, marks the first-ever men's Test at the venue, which becomes the 13th Test ground in the Caribbean. The series forms a crucial part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams, who are near the bottom of the standings.
West Indies captain Roston Chase returns to lead the side after recovering from a finger injury. The hosts enter with momentum from a 1-0 home series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month. The squad features a debut for left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and the return of batter Kirk McKenzie. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.
Pakistan arrives after a difficult period in Test cricket, having lost its last seven away matches. The team has undergone a significant leadership change, with senior batsman Babar Azam returning as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood. Selectors have made several notable changes, omitting star left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and other established bowlers from the squad.