Pakistan vs West Indies: First Test begins tomorrow

Osman Samiuddin in his analysis and preview doesn't see anything exceptionally untoward about the pitch.

Much will depend on the pitch and though to the untrained eye it doesn't differ from the one that provided the January run-glut when India visited, both captains suggested spin might feature as the match progresses. Lara said, "There's something in it for both pace and spin. Kaneria, Omari Banks and Dave Mohammed might play a role as the pitch deteriorates."

I just hope Pakistan plays 4 specialist bowlers. There is no need for Razzak, Hafeez and Malik to play. Razzak should play, since he's a pacer and on slow pitches, he can be harder to score off, but Hafeez and Malik bring the same thing to the table. I have been arguing this point for the past few series. I hope the Pakistani team selection smartens up and chooses 4 specialist bowlers. Padding (no pun intended) up our batting order isn't going to do much good, unless we're aiming for a draw. Our middle order is capable enough to post big totals and we need to start relying on them to deliver.

For the past few test series we have been pumping in too many all-rounders in the test arena. A test match is the purest form of them game and needs specialist. Though all-rounders is our strength, i don't consider any of them 'test match winners'. ODI's, maybe. Malik, Razzak et all cannot score a solid hundred, nor will they get a 5 wicket haul. Nazir, Gul and Kaneria will play no matter what. I sincerely hope we give a test cap to Niazi or Rehman. I think Niazi should play. His left arm pace can provide variety. He seems like he could possibly be a match winner. He has a number of 5 wicket hauls under his belt. Kaneria can provide the bulk of the spin. Playing 4 pacemen (including Razzak) and a spinner is our best chance of trying to bowl the West Indies out.