Roach and Da Silva Unavailable for Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test as Teams Prepare for Series

In a significant setback for the West Indies cricket team, bowler Kemar Roach and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva have been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on January 18, 2025. Roach, who boasts an impressive career record with over 200 wickets, has suffered from fitness issues that have prevented him from participating in the match. Coach Daren Sammy noted, “Kemar’s experience and skill will certainly be missed, but we have confidence in the squad we are fielding.” Meanwhile, Da Silva is sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, leading to wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva stepping in to take over his responsibilities. This match marks the beginning of a two-Test series as part of the West Indies’ tour of Pakistan, after the teams have not clashed in Test cricket since 2019. The first Test will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi, starting at 10:00 AM local time. Fans can catch the live streaming on various platforms including ESPN and local broadcasting channels. Cricket analysts are looking forward to the performances of rising stars like Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers, who are expected to fill the void left by Roach and Da Silva. Sammy expressed optimism about his younger players, stating, “This is an excellent opportunity for the emerging talents to step up against a challenging opponent like Pakistan.” The absence of Roach and Da Silva adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense cricket series, with the West Indies looking to make an impact in their first Test match back on Pakistani soil in years.