MULTAN: The Pakistan national cricket team management has implemented a groundbreaking strategy for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies this month.
The much-anticipated series begins on January 17 in Multan, marking the West Indies' first Test series in Pakistan since their 2006 tour.
Ground staff in Multan have been instructed to create spinner-friendly pitches for both Tests, a move aimed at exploiting Pakistan's spin-bowling strength.
Head curator Tony Hemming, renowned for his innovative approach, has introduced the "greenhouse concept" to ensure optimal pitch conditions.
This new method involves covering the pitch entirely and installing heaters on both inner sides of the covers to retain heat and prevent moisture caused by Multan's foggy weather.
Hemming’s greenhouse idea has been in development for some time and is designed to keep the pitch dry and firm.
By preventing moisture dissipation, the approach aims to create consistent playing surfaces that favour spinners.
This series marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's cricket history, reviving a Test rivalry with the West Indies that spans 54 matches.
Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 21 wins, while the West Indies have secured 18 victories. Fifteen matches have ended in draws.
The most recent Test series between the two teams occurred in the West Indies in 2021, concluding in a 1-1 draw.
While the two teams haven’t faced off in the longer format in Pakistan for nearly two decades, the West Indies have toured the country three times since 2018 for limited-overs matches.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced the national team squad with the return of Imam-ul-Haq to the squad and the exclusion of notable players, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas.
The squad features seven changes from the 15-member Test team that recently toured South Africa and suffered a 2-0 whitewash defeat.
Pakistan squad for the West Indies Tests:
Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
Two-Match Test series schedule:
