MULTAN, Pakistan (CMC):
WEST INDIES Test head coach Andre Coley believes that the regional side is fully prepared for whatever conditions they face in their upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
The West Indies will take on the home side in a two-match Test series beginning tomorrow as they look to wrap up this cycle of the World Test Championship.
The pitches in Pakistan’s home series against England last October – which they won 2-1 – catered to spin and Pakistan named spinners Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed in their 15-member squad last week.
However, speaking to reporters during a press conference on Wednesday, Coley said the team’s balance meant they were suited for any conditions they encountered.
“I don’t want to comment too much on the pitch. The series between England and Pakistan, obviously, is history, and there is quite a bit to be taken from it.
“We have a clear plan in our mind as you look at the makeup of our squad. So the squad gives us the option to go either way. So we have that flexibility in the squad,” Coley said.
“…What you want to do is whatever surface you’re given, you want to bring a certain level of application that is required.”
The West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, and Coley admitted that the environment would be new to most of the players.
However, he said the plan would be to gain control of the contests early on and maintain that advantage throughout the two matches.
“In a new environment for most of the players, it’s to be able to back themselves, trust the preparation, and keep learning quickly.
“… Our aim here in this series is to actually prepare in a manner in such a way that based on the squad that Pakistan has selected that we’re in a position to negotiate and gain control of the game early and control throughout,” Coley said.