West Indies announce squad for 2025 red-ball tour of Pakistan, batter who smashed hundred on ODI debut gets maiden Test call-up

West Indies have announced their squad for the two-match Test series in Pakistan to be played early next year. Batter Amir Jangoo, who scored a hundred on his ODI debut against Bangladesh earlier this month, has earned his maiden Test call-up. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has also been recalled after missing the two-match series at home against Bangladesh.

The Windies will play two Tests during their tour of Pakistan, which begins with the first Test at the National Stadium in Karachi from January 16. The second Test will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium from January 24 to January 28.

Jangoo (27), a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, clobbered 104* off 83 balls on his one-day debut against Bangladesh in Basseterre. The knock featured six fours and two sixes. The batter has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic four-day competition in 2023-24. He scored 500 runs in five matches at an average of 63.50, which included two hundreds and a half-century.

Apart from Motie, Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican will be part of the spin bowling department. Jangoo and Motie have replaced Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph in the Test squad. Shamar is suffering from shin splints due to which he also missed the ODIs against Bangladesh. As for Alzarri, he is unavailable 'due to other engagements', as per Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Reacting to the team selection, West Indies head coach Andre Coley said (as per official press release):

"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. For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results."

Kraigg Brathwaite has been retained as captain for the two-match Test series in Pakistan, while keeper-batter Joshua Da Silva will be the vice-captain. West Indies will depart for Pakistan on January 2 and land in Islamabad on January 6. This will be West Indies' first Test tour of Pakistan in more than 18 years.

---

West Indies squad for Pakistan Tests

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva (vice-captain), 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