Coley eyeing improvement as WI prepare for Pakistan Tour
Outgoing West Indies Test head coach Andre Coley feels optimistic and readiness as his squad prepares for their first series in Pakistan in more than 18 years.
In an interview with Cricket West Indies’ in-house media yesterday, the Jamaican coach underscored the unique challenges of playing on the subcontinent and the importance of meticulous preparation.
“We haven’t played a Test series or a Test match in Pakistan for a few years, so we’re all looking forward to it and the challenges it will pose,” Coley remarked.
“It’s slightly cooler than what we’re accustomed to in the Caribbean, but we’re prepared for that. We’ll assess the conditions when we get there. That’s the whole idea of having some prep time ahead of the Test series – to shape our preparation around what we expect in Multan.”
The West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, losing the three-match series 2-0. Their most recent victory on Pakistani soil was a seven-wicket win in Faisalabad in November 1990.
“Creating history is always an opportunity, but the focus shouldn’t be around that,” he explained. “It’s about using the learning from 2024, being more consistent, and playing the brand of cricket we want to play. Pakistan has prepared pitches that are good for batting, assist pace, and, most recently against England, spun.”
Coley added: “For us, it’s about being equally prepared for pace or spin-friendly tracks to give a good account of ourselves. It’s always good to play in different conditions. Test cricket is not just about the opposition’s skill; it’s about adapting to different environments and game situations. That’s why we play this format – to test ourselves.”
West Indies supporters will be hoping to see progress in the batting department, an area that underperformed in 2024. Only two West Indians registered Test centuries last year, and no frontline batsman averaged over 30, with Kaveem Hodge’s 28.66 being the highest.
“The batters, having been given opportunities, now need to translate those into performances. It’s time for them to step up and deliver match-winning totals,” Coley urged. “We’ve been very effective as a bowling unit, with Jayden [Seales] back to full fitness, Shamar Joseph’s debut, and Kemar Roach’s leadership. Our spinners, [Gudakesh] Motie and [Jomel] Warrican, have been consistent. However, our batting hasn’t been as consistent, and that’s an area to improve.”
This tour marks Coley’s final assignment as head coach, with white ball coach Daren Sammy set to take over ahead of Australia’s tour of the Caribbean later this year. Under Coley’s tenure, the West Indies failed to win a series, managing just two Test victories in the current World Test Championship cycle, including a memorable eight-run win over Australia in Brisbane last January. They are currently ranked eighth in the Test rankings.
“Right now, my focus is on the series against Pakistan,” the 50-year-old said. “When the Test Championship is finished, I’ll have more time to reflect on my tenure. There’s still work to be done, and my priority is to give the players the confidence they need for this series.”
The West Indies will play a tour match on January 10 before the first Test begins on January 16 in Karachi. The series will conclude on January 24 in Multan.
Squad: 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 Philip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
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