Multan will host back-to-back Tests when Pakistan play the West Indies next month.
With stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi being upgraded for February’s Champions Trophy, it has left the Pakistan Cricket Board with Multan as the only option to host the two-Test series against the West Indies.
England played back-to-back Tests in Multan in October because of the renovation work. Pakistan, seeking to come from a Test down, created extremely dry conditions conducive to spin and were rewarded with a two-one series victory.
The West Indies squad arrives on January 6 and will play a three-day warm-up game in Rawalpindi against Pakistan Shaheens. The first Test starts on January 17 and the second on January 25.
It will be West Indies’ first Test series in Pakistan for more than 18 years.
West Indies named uncapped batter Amir Jangoo in its 15-strong squad after he smashed a century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh earlier this month.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns after missing the two Tests against Bangladesh last month because he was playing in the Global Super League in Guyana.
Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican are the other spin options in the squad.
West Indies are without fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who is suffering from shin splints. Alzarri Joseph is also unavailable because of his commitments with International League T20 in the UAE.
“Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” head coach Andre Coley said.
WEST INDIES SQUAD (v Pakistan)
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/multan-to-host-both-tests-as-west-indies-recall-motie-c-17189686
