West Indies vs Pakistan 2021, 1st Test– Pakistan Predicted Playing XI

After winning the T20 series 1-0, Pakistan will turn their attention to Test Cricket as they face West Indies in a two-match Test series, starting from 12^th August 2021. Pakistan finished at sixth position in the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship rankings. They won 4 out of 12 matches and thereby claimed 286 points.

Ahead of the second edition of the WTC, the Men in Green would be keen to exhibit better performance and reach the summit clash. In their previous Test assignment, they beat Zimbabwe 2-0. Babar Azam and Co. would look to continue the winning momentum and start their WTC campaign on a winning note.

Here’s a look at Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the first Test:

West Indies vs Pakistan – Pakistan Predicted Playing XI

Imran Butt

The 25-year old impressed one and all with his attractive shots in the first Test against Zimbabwe. He played a brilliant 91-run knock off 236 balls in the first innings. He is likely to retain his place in the playing XI.

Abid Ali:

A consistent performer for Pakistan in Test cricket, Abid Ali will accompany Imran Butt. The last time he batted for Pakistan, he produced a magnificent double-century and helped the team cross the 500-run mark against Zimbabwe. Pakistan would be hopeful of replicating a similar inning against West Indies.

Azhar Ali:

A veteran in Test Cricket, Azhar Ali will bat at number three. The former Pakistan skipper is in great form with the bat. He scored a century in the last Test against Zimbabwe and would be keen to continue his good run with the bat.

Babar Azam (c)

Skipper Babar Azam should take the number four position. He had a poor outing in the last Test series against Zimbabwe, managing only 2 runs in 2 Tests. However, given the kind of talent he is, one could expect him to make a stellar comeback against West Indies.

Fawad Alam

Fawad Alam made a comeback in Test Cricket against England after 10 years. 3 months later against New Zealand, he made a stellar century to help his team save a Test at the Bay Oval. The Pakistan all-rounder has been a regular in the Test set-up since. He scored a magnificent 140 off 204 balls in the first Test against Zimbabwe.

Mohammad Rizwan (WK)

Perhaps, no other player has impressed more than M Rizwan for Pakistan in the last couple of years. Consistent run-making has helped him become a regular for Pakistan in all three formats of the game. He is likely to don the gloves for Pakistan in the first Test against West Indies.

Faheem Ashraf/ Sajid Khan

There will be a toss-up between Faheem Ashraf and Sajid Khan. The former, however, is likely to get the nod, given his experience in the format. Ashraf played the first Test against Zimbabwe and took 1 wicket in 2 innings.

Yasir Shah:

A mainstay in the Test side, Yashir Shah is likely to lead the spin attack. He missed out in the last series against Zimbabwe but is likely to be part of the playing XI in the first Test against West Indies.

Hasan Ali:

Hasan Ali is one of the best bowlers Pakistan have currently. Ali was brilliant in the last series against Zimbabwe. He finished as the highest wicket-taker, picking 14 wickets in 2 Tests.

M Abbas

A regular in Test set-up, Mohammad Abbas should make his way into the eleven. Abbas has been a consistent performer for the side over the years and is likely to play a big role for Pakistan in the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies.

Shaheen Afridi

One of the best left-arm seamers in the world, Shaheen Afridi will give variety to the pace attack. He picked 10 wickets in 2 Tests in the last series against Zimbabwe.