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

Kraig Brathwaite-led West Indies are coming into the series on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of South Africa in their last Test assignment. Ahead of the start of the second edition of the World Test Championship, West Indies would be eager to start on a winning note.

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

West Indies vs Pakistan– West Indies Predicted Playing XI

Kraigg Brathwaite:

The upcoming Test series against Pakistan will be Brathwaite’s third assignment as West Indies skipper. Brathwaite didn’t have a great outing in the last Test series against South Africa, having managed to score only 28 runs in four innings.

The skipper knows how important he is in West Indies’ batting line-up and he would be keen to make a strong comeback in the upcoming series. For the unversed, Kraigg Brathwaite is the top run-scorer for West Indies in the last 10 games, scoring 576 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 39.

Kieran Powell:

Kieran Powell is likely to partner with Brathwaite as the second opener. He made a comeback in the Test team during the South Africa series. He played one impressive 51-run knock in the fourth innings of the second Test. The West Indies would be needing more of that against Pakistan. The 31-year old so far has managed to play 42 Tests, scoring 2081 runs at an average of 26.7.

Shai Hope:

Shai Hope is likely to retain his number three position. He has a forgettable Test series against South Africa, having managed to score 72 runs in 4 innings. Against a potent Pakistan bowling unit, Shai Hope needs to come good in the Test series.

Roston Chase:

Given the kind of start he had to his Test career, Roston Chase hasn’t really stood up to the expectations. In 39 Tests, he has 1943 runs at an average of 28.6. He played a stellar 62-run knock in the first Test against South Africa. But, besides that, there wasn’t much to boast about. Nevertheless, the team is likely to persist with him as a potential all-rounder in the squad.

Kyle Mayers

Kyle Mayer’s all-round prowess makes him an integral part of the West Indies Test team. He took 6 wickets and scored 59 runs in 4 innings against South Africa. West Indies would be hoping he makes a better performance with the bat against Pakistan.

Jermaine Blackwood:

Consistent performances with the bat have helped Jermaine Blackwood become a regular in West Indies Test set-up. Averaging 30.3, Blackwood has 2033 runs to his name in 39 Tests. He couldn’t make a significant contribution against South Africa in the last Test series. He scored 84 runs in 4 innings.

Jason Holder

The former West Indies skipper will take the number seventh position in the line-up. His presence would ensure depth in West Indies’ batting line-up. Add to that, he is one of the lead fast bowlers in the team. Under favorable conditions, Jason Holder would look to make an impact with the ball.

Joshua Da Silva:

Joshua Da Silva is likely to don the wicket-keeping gloves in the series. The 23-year old has played only 7 Tests so far. He has scored 317 runs at an average of 26.4. He underwent a forgettable series against South Africa and would look to redeem himself against Pakistan.

R Cornwall

Rahkeem Cornwall will be their lead spinner in the line-up. His batting prowess with the bat bodes well for the side as he adds firepower lower down the order.

Kemar Roach

Kemar Roach will lead the pace-bowling unit. He enjoyed a terrific series against South Africa, having finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker. In 2 Tests, he claimed 9 wickets at an average of 17.89.

Jayden Seales

Jayden Seales is likely to share the fast bowling duties with Roach and Holder. He made his debut in the recent Test series against South Africa. In 2 Tests, he has 5 wickets to his name at an average of 30.06.