Islamabad, Jan 18: The first Test match between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan began on a historic note when West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie became the first Caribbean spinner to open the bowling in the first innings of a Test. This groundbreaking achievement unfolded as Motie bowled the very first delivery to Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood, marking an unprecedented moment in West Indies cricket history.
Before Motie’s feat, only four instances of West Indies spinners opening the bowling in any Test innings had occurred, and none of those were in the first innings. Motie’s effort is now etched in the annals of cricket history, joining the elite group of bowlers to achieve this rare milestone.
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His performance also became the 30th instance overall of a spinner opening the bowling in the first innings of a Test match—a rarity in cricket. Notably, nine of the preceding instances featured Asian bowlers, with Pakistan’s Sajid Khan being the most recent, achieving the feat against England in 2024.
The significance of this achievement extends beyond West Indies cricket. It reflects the evolving strategies in Test cricket, where conditions and tactics increasingly favor spinners in new roles. Historically, the last non-Asian spinner to open the bowling in a first innings was South Africa’s Aubrey Faulkner in 1912, underlining how exceptional Motie’s milestone truly is.
In addition to this landmark, Motie joined a distinguished list of West Indian spinners who have taken on the challenge of opening the bowling. This group includes names like Veerasammy Permaul and Rahkeem Cornwall, both of whom achieved their milestones in recent years.
Motie’s groundbreaking moment in Multan is a testament to the changing dynamics of Test cricket and the enduring role of spinners in shaping the game’s narrative. As cricket evolves, such milestones continue to inspire players and fans alike, proving that the sport’s history is always ready for a new chapter.
