Gudakesh Motie makes history in first Test against Pakistan

In a historic moment 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 came during the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan on January 17, 2025. The match saw a delayed start due to foggy conditions, but once play began, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first.

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

The pitch at Multan, which favored spin, saw both teams field several spinners. Motie, taking the lead for West Indies, marked a significant shift in strategy. His first delivery to Pakistan captain Shan Masood made history as it was the first time in 113 years that a West Indies spinner opened the bowling in a Test match’s first innings.

Before Motie, only four other West Indies spinners had ever bowled the first delivery in a Test match, but none had done so in the first innings. His achievement marked the 30th time in Test cricket history that a spinner had opened the bowling, breaking the long-standing 113-year-old record set by South Africa’s Aubrey Faulkner in 1912.

Motie’s performance in the Test was also impressive, as he took 1 crucial wicket and had some close calls, further solidifying his role in this new trend of spinners leading the attack.

Pakistan ended Day 2 with a commanding 202-run lead, posting 230 in their first innings. After a strong partnership between Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71), Pakistan collapsed, but late resistance from Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad pushed them past 200.

West Indies were bowled out for 137, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan taking nine wickets between them. Pakistan then reached 109/3 in their second innings, with Shan Masood scoring a half-century. Despite a strong effort from Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican, West Indies couldn't break through.

With seven wickets remaining, Pakistan is in a strong position heading into Day 3.