West Indies break 113-year old tradition in first Test against Pakistan

Gudakesh Motie breaks 113-year-old record set by South Africa’s Aubrey Faulkner in 1912.

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In an achievement for West Indies cricket, Gudakesh Motie became the first spinner in 113 years to bowl the opening delivery of a Test match's first innings.

This milestone occurred during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan on January 17, 2025, after start of play was delayed due to foggy conditions. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first.

West Indies made a few changes to their squad, with Tevin Imlach replacing Joshua da Silva as wicketkeeper, while Pakistan also made an addition, with Mohammad Huraira making his debut in place of the injured Saim Ayub.

The spin-friendly pitch in Multan saw both teams fielding several spinners, with Motie taking the lead for West Indies. His first delivery to Pakistan captain Shan Masood marked a break from West Indies’ traditional reliance on fast bowlers.

Before this, only four other West Indies spinners had ever bowled the first delivery in a Test match, but none did so in the first innings.

Motie’s achievement marked the 30th time in Test cricket history that a spinner opened the bowling, breaking a 113-year-old record set by South Africa’s Aubrey Faulkner in 1912.

Motie’s performance of 1 wicket for 34 runs in 12.1 overs further solidified his role in this evolving trend.

On the first day of the Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan played crucial unbeaten half-centuries to guide Pakistan’s recovery, reaching 143-4 at the close of play.

The pair added 97 runs after Pakistan was in trouble at 46-4. Shakeel was on 56 and Rizwan on 51 not out, showing composure against West Indies' three-spinner attack.

Fast bowler Jayden Seales took 3-21, causing early wickets for Pakistan. Play was delayed by fog, with just 41.3 overs bowled.

In other news, the ICC Men's Champions Trophy will return to Pakistan after its world tour, with the trophy set to reach Lahore later this month.

The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, featuring eight teams and matches in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi) and Dubai. The final will be held in Lahore, with a reserve day in case of weather disruptions.