Cricket fans are in for a treat if the second Test between the Windies and Pakistan serves up even a sliver the drama we saw in the first match.
The West Indies burgled a win in the first Test of the series but will take heart from the way they hung in against all odds.
Pakistan on the other hand will need to take a long hard look at themselves after the wheels came off their effort on the final day.
West Indies vs Pakistan | 20 – 24 August 2021 | Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
To Win Match
West Indies 9/4
Draw 26/10
Pakistan 1/1
West Indies
A narrow first Test win will do little to assuage fears that the West Indies sport a batting lineup too brittle to consistently challenge in the ultimate format.
Jayden Seales is the find of their summer, with the quick bowler remarkably at home in Test cricket despite his youth and inexperience.
While quick bowling is the West Indies strength once again it also throws up far too many problems for their own batsmen and skipper Kraigg Brathwaite must step up in this regard.
Jermaine Blackwood and Roston Chase are the ‘form’ batsmen, but even they are struggling to find the middle of the bat at times.
Pakistan
Pakistan will be kicking themselves after missing out on valuable World Test Championship points on the road last time out.
What they will take out of the Test is the knowledge that they have an edge over the West Indies but like their hosts need to bat better under pressure.
Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas led the attack in the first Test and will want to pick up their best form after both lost their way a little as things unravelled for Pakistan.
Like his opposite number, Babar Azam will want to right the faults in the batting by leading from the front for his team.
Verdict: West Indies 9/4
The hosts have the visitors where they want them.
