ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The West Indies Test cricket team is gearing up to face Pakistan in a two-match Test series this month, and their head coach, Andre Coley, is determined to see improvements compared to their performance last year. This series marks a significant milestone, as it will be the West Indies’ first visit to Pakistan in 18 years. Back in 2006, Pakistan won the three-match Test series 2-0.

The West Indies will begin their preparations with a three-day warmup match on January 10, ahead of the first Test match scheduled for January 16 in Karachi. This series also serves as the team’s first challenge of 2025, and Coley has expressed optimism about taking on this opportunity with a fresh mindset.

Coley emphasized that the focus for the team is not just on making history but on learning from their experiences in 2024 and striving for consistency. He highlighted the importance of building on the team’s progress over the past year and sticking to their preferred style of play.

“This is a fresh start for us—a new series and a new opportunity,” he said. “We haven’t played Test cricket in Pakistan for quite some time, so it’s exciting to take on this challenge. While creating history is always possible, our priority is to use what we’ve learned from last year to play better cricket and find the consistency we’ve been aiming for.”

Coley also pointed out that this tour is an excellent chance for new players in the squad to showcase their talent. For some, this will be a golden opportunity to prove themselves and secure a place in the team, especially as they adapt to the unique playing conditions in Pakistan.

“There are players in this squad who missed earlier opportunities, and now they can step up and show what they’re capable of. Playing in conditions that might be unfamiliar gives them a chance to grow and improve,” Coley explained.

He added that the team is preparing for all possible scenarios, whether they face pitches favoring pace or spin. The goal is to adapt and deliver strong performances regardless of the conditions.

“Our preparation is key. Whether we encounter fast tracks or spin-friendly surfaces, we want to be ready and perform well. Everyone in the team is excited about this experience—it’s always great to play in different environments,” he concluded.

This series offers the West Indies a chance to start the new year on a strong note while testing their adaptability and resilience against a formidable opponent in Pakistan.