Outgoing West Indies red-ball coach Andre Coley has hailed his side’s resilience and adaptability after they secured their first Test win in Pakistan in 35 years, leveling the series 1-1.
Speaking after the 127-run victory at Multan Stadium, Coley said, “It was a good win. It also showed improvement as the series progressed. It was really a test of our skills, mental strength, and mindset in conditions that were helpful to the spinners.”
The 50-year-old Jamaican coach emphasized the importance of batsmen staying composed under pressure, noting, “It was quite easy for batters to be worrying about what-ifs as opposed to staying in the moment, watching the ball closely, and trusting their skills.”
The spin attack, led by Jomel Warrican, proved pivotal in the team’s fightback during the series. Warrican claimed an impressive 19 wickets at an average of nine, becoming only the third West Indian to achieve such a haul in a two-Test series. The other two are Shane Shillingford in 2013 and Gudakesh Motie in 2023, who also took 19 wickets each in a two-match series against Zimbabwe. The 17 wickets taken by West Indian spinners in this Test are the most for the regional team in a single match since 1970.
Speaking about the slow left-arm spinner, Coley said, “His ability to control his pace makes him very dangerous. He challenges both edges, bowls an arm ball with precision, and spins it away, making it very difficult for opposition batters.”
Coley also praised the contributions of the rest of the bowling unit, who complemented Warrican’s efforts. “It was good to see Motie back in Test cricket, and Sinclair continues to improve. And don’t discount the impact of Jaden Seales and Kemar Roach. Even in spin-friendly conditions, they were able to extract seam movement, which was crucial.”
Debutant Tevin Imlach received praise for his composure behind the stumps on spin-friendly pitches and for a crucial knock that contributed to the team’s total. Despite a difficult series with the bat, scoring only 55 runs in four innings at an average of 13.75, Imlach made a career-best 35 in the second innings of the final Test, helping set up victory for the West Indies. “He showed good skills, movement, and hands. His knock towards the end was vital,” said Coley.
The victory marked the conclusion of the World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies, who finished eighth in the table with 44 points. It also marked the end of Coley’s tenure as Test coach.
Reflecting on his time as head coach, which began officially on May 12, 2023, but had been carried out on an interim basis since December 2022, Coley said, “It’s still fresh, and I haven’t had time to reflect on everything. But I’m happy for the players. They showed fighting spirit and an ability to learn quickly, despite low expectations from outside.”
Two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain Daren Sammy will take over the reins ahead of Australia’s tour of the Caribbean later this year. Under Coley’s tenure, the West Indies failed to win a series, managing just three Test victories during their recently concluded World Test Championship cycle. One of those wins includes a memorable eight-run triumph over Australia in Brisbane last January. They are currently ranked eighth in the Test rankings.
