![West Indies playing XI [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784891224830_West_Indies.jpg?type=hq)
West Indies playing XI [Source: AFP]
The West Indies and Pakistan cricket teams will collide in a two-match Test series in the Caribbean. The first match of the series will be hosted by the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba between July 25 and July 29.
The series also constitutes a part of the ongoing 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where both West Indies and Pakistan are currently occupying the bottom two slots on the nine-team points table.
West Indies vs Pakistan Preview
Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently named a 15-member West Indies squad for the two-match Test against Pakistan. Senior fast bowler Alzarri Joseph personally declined selection for the series, as confirmed by head coach Daren Sammy.
The selection committee named one uncapped star in the form of left-arm orthodox spinner Joshua Bishop. The 26-year-old was named in the squad following his prolific wicket-taking spree in domestic cricket.
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Kirk McKenzie was recalled into the squad after a gap of two years, considering opening batter John Campbell was ruled out owing to a hamstring injury. Here, we take a look at the predicted playing XI of the West Indies team for the first Test against Pakistan in Tarouba.
Openers and Top Order (Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Kavem Hodge)
With John Campbell out of the side owing to an injury, comeback man Kirk McKenzie will likely open the innings for West Indies alongside Brandon King.
McKenzie played the last of his six Tests for West Indies back in July 2024, and will be expected to make his return to the playing XI in place of the injured opener. The 25-year-old recently plundered 323 runs in just three matches at a prolific average of 64.50 in the 2026 West Indies Championship.
Brandon King will likely receive another opportunity in the XI despite garnering just 99 runs in three innings against Sri Lanka. Kavem Hodge will be expected to resume his role at number three. Hodge can also bowl some quality wicket-taking overs of left-arm spin.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase)
West Indies wicketkeeper-batters Amir Jangoo and Shai Hope will take up the number four and number five positions in the line-up. Jangoo recently compiled an epic 233 against Sri Lanka in North Sound to notch up his maiden century a year-and-a-half after making his return to the XI.
Hope also fought his way to a regal century in the series-decider at the same venue earlier this month.
Justin Greaves, who mounted 180 in his previous Test innings, will bat at number six, and will be followed by his captain and fellow all-rounder Roston Chase at number seven.
Bowlers (Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales)
West Indies vice-captain Jomel Warrican will likely make his return to the playing XI after being benched from the series against Sri Lanka. It is worth noting that the left-arm spinner averages just 10.68 against Pakistan with the ball in Tests.
With Alzarri Joseph out of the team, tearaway paceman Shamar Joseph and senior fast bowler Kemar Roach will be expected to helm the West Indies pace attack.
Fellow speedster Jayden Seales will reprise his role in the XI after wrecking Sri Lanka with a seven-wicket series haul in North Sound.
West Indies Predicted Playing XI vs Pakistan – 1st Test 2026
Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
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