West Indies finished the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan on 239/5 at Queen’s Park Oval, but the biggest talking point was Mohammad Abbas’ absence from the visitors’ XI. The experienced seamer took eight wickets in the first Test, yet Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed at the toss that the decision was based on conditions rather than an injury. That call, plus a late West Indies partnership, has given this ICC World Test Championship contest plenty of intrigue.
West Indies vs Pakistan second Test: day one belongs to the hosts
Roston Chase won the toss and chose to bat, repeating his decision from the first match. The choice looked positive for much of the day as West Indies’ top order worked through a stop-start opening session affected by rain and bad light. The hosts did not run away with the game, but they kept enough control to make Pakistan work for every breakthrough.
Brandon King provided the early momentum. The opener scored 46 from 50 balls and struck nine fours before Ali Usman beat him with a straight delivery. King’s innings was brief by modern standards, but it ensured the West Indies did not become passive against a Pakistan attack that made four changes after losing the first Test by 90 runs.
Justin Greaves and Roston Chase steady West Indies
The crucial phase arrived late in the day. Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 64, while captain Roston Chase reached 36 not out, and their unbroken sixth-wicket stand had already added 66 runs by stumps. Both batters appeared increasingly comfortable once the ball softened, finding gaps and rotating the strike without taking unnecessary risks.
Greaves has been one of the most valuable all-round options in this West Indies side, and this innings could become a defining contribution in the series. He has already shown that he can absorb pressure, build an innings and then increase the tempo. Chase, meanwhile, has the responsibility of turning a promising position into a match-shaping total when play resumes.
Can West Indies push beyond 350?
The immediate target should be 300, but the hosts will want considerably more. With two set batters at the crease and the lower order still to come, a first-innings score between 350 and 400 would put serious pressure on Pakistan. The pitch has offered opportunities to disciplined bowlers, yet the later batting has looked easier whenever West Indies’ players committed fully to their strokes.
Pakistan’s route back is straightforward: take the new-ball advantage early, break the Greaves-Chase partnership and prevent the tail from adding another 70 or 80 runs. If those wickets do not arrive quickly, West Indies could control the tempo of the Test for the next two days.
Why did Pakistan leave out Mohammad Abbas?
Abbas’ omission naturally raised eyebrows. The 36-year-old was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the first Test, collecting eight wickets and claiming his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. With West Indies now leading the two-match series 1-0, leaving out the bowler who caused the most problems was a bold selection decision.
At the toss, Babar Azam indicated that there was no injury concern and that the choice was made because of the conditions. Pakistan instead handed a Test debut to 20-year-old Ubaid Shah. The youngster claimed the wicket of Amir Jangoo but finished the day with 1/56 from nine overs, an expensive introduction at international level.
That does not make the selection automatically wrong. Captains and selectors sometimes read the surface differently, particularly when they expect pace, bounce or a specific left-right combination to matter more than experience. Still, Abbas’ ability to move the ball and maintain pressure will be missed if the Queen’s Park Oval pitch offers more assistance on days two and three.
Pakistan selection pressure grows after first Test defeat
Pakistan also left out former captain Shan Masood after he injured his finger in the opening Test. Four changes suggest the team is searching for a better balance, but frequent reshuffling can create its own uncertainty. The visitors need their new combination to settle quickly, especially because West Indies have already shown that they are comfortable playing long, patient innings.
For Pakistan, the next morning is about execution rather than debate. Ubaid Shah needs support from the senior bowlers, and the fielding unit cannot afford to offer easy singles or missed chances. A fast start could still transform the day; another quiet session for the West Indies would make the hosts overwhelming favourites to dictate the match.
What to watch on day two
The main fantasy cricket and match-watch question is whether Greaves can convert his unbeaten 64 into a hundred. Chase’s approach will also be important: he can attack the tired bowlers, but losing his wicket early would expose the lower order. For Pakistan, every over with the second new ball and every chance against the set pair will carry extra value.
This is also a useful reminder that Test cricket rarely follows the script. A team can make a brave selection call, watch the replacement struggle, and still find a way back with one inspired spell. West Indies have the advantage right now, but the second Test remains open if Pakistan strike early.
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What do you make of Pakistan leaving Mohammad Abbas out after his eight-wicket performance in the first Test? And can Justin Greaves turn his unbeaten 64 into a match-winning hundred? Share your view in the comments.
Source: International Cricket Council match report. Information correct after play on day one of the second Test.
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