TAROUBA: Pakistan and the West Indies will lock horns in the opening match of their two-Test series on Saturday, with Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressing confidence in his side’s preparations ahead of the contest.
Speaking to the media before the match, Babar said the team had been preparing for the West Indies and England tours for the past two months and was fully ready for the challenge.
“Our preparation has been very good. The players have worked hard on their skills and fitness, and we will try to produce positive results,” the Pakistan skipper said.
Babar, who recently returned as Pakistan’s Test captain, said his confidence had been boosted by regaining the leadership role and that he would strive to make decisions that benefit the team.
“I have learned from my previous experience as captain and will try to make better decisions for Pakistan,” he said.
The captain also praised the balance of the squad, saying the combination of experienced and young players had strengthened the team ahead of the series.
Babar, however, expressed disappointment over the injury to batter Abdullah Fazal, who was ruled out after sustaining an injury during a practice session.
The two-match Test series will begin at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Port of Spain from August 2.
Abdullah Fazal ruled out of England, West Indies Tests
Pakistan’s rising Test opener Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and England due to a lower back injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the injury occurred on Thursday during a training session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where the first Test match against the West Indies will be played.
After an MRI scan and medical examination, the team’s medical panel has advised him to undergo rehabilitation, while no decision has been made yet regarding a replacement player.
The 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal made his Test debut against Bangladesh in May and scored half-centuries in both innings of his first match.
He also remained not out in both innings in the warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI, scoring 50 and 48 runs respectively.
In his absence, middle-order batsman Owais Zafar’s Test debut prospects have brightened, while Imam-ul-Haq is expected to be part of the opening pair again.
