Jomel Warrican shatters 66-year-old record to make history in Pakistan

Jomel Warrican made history on Sunday with a stunning seven-wicket haul against Pakistan.

The West Indian spinner became the first Windies bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Pakistani soil since 1959, surpassing Sonny Ramadhin’s 66-year-old record of 4/25.

Warrican’s exceptional control of line and length contributed to Pakistan’s dramatic collapse, as they lost seven wickets for just 51 runs in the second innings.

With speeds hovering around 70kph, Warrican methodically dismantled Pakistan’s batting order, taking 7 wickets for 31 runs and restricting them to just 157 runs.

On the other hand, 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.