## West Indies Seek Redemption Against Winless Pakistan in ODI Opener

Trinidad hosts the first ODI clash between the struggling West Indies and a similarly out-of-form Pakistan team on Friday. The series marks the start of both nations' preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. 

Both sides are desperate for a positive showing after recent losses have cast doubt over their form. The Windies suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat to England in their last ODI series, while Pakistan were blanked 0-3 by New Zealand three months ago.  They also lost the T20I leg against the West Indies 1-2.

**How to Watch:**

* **TV Channel:** Willow TV
* **Live Stream:** Fubo


American fans can catch the action live exclusively on Willow TV, available through cable providers or via streaming service Fubo. The platform offers a comprehensive sports package, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 100 top channels for live TV and sports.

**Match Details:**

* **Date:** Friday, August 8, 2025
* **Time:** 2:00 p.m. AST (2:00 p.m. ET)
* **Venue:** Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad


**Team News:**

The West Indies have named a 15-man squad for the series, with some key players returning after missing the T20I leg against Pakistan. Evin Lewis is back following injury, while Brandon King and Romario Shepherd also rejoin the squad.  Shai Hope will captain the side.  


Pakistan face a blow with Fakhar Zaman ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the second T20I. Babar Azam returns for the ODI leg, alongside Mohammad Nawaz, who was awarded Player of the Series in the T20I series.   Salman Agha serves as deputy to skipper Mohammed Rizwan. 

**Predicted XIs:**

* **West Indies:** Brandon King, Jewel Andrew (wk), Shai Hope (c), Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades.
* **Pakistan:** Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem.  



 


## West Indies Seek Redemption Against Winless Pakistan in ODI Opener

Trinidad hosts the first ODI clash between the struggling West Indies and a similarly out

Where to watch West Indies vs. Pakistan free live stream, TV

Where to watch West Indies vs. Pakistan free live stream, TV channel, start time for 1st ODI match

## Ashes Squad Selection Looms as England's Bazball Faces Australia’s Challenge

**McCullum trusts his gut as selectors finalize the squad for a grueling five-Test series.**

England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum will meet with national selector Luke Wright and ECB director Rob Key this October to finalize the Ashes squad.  While Wright previously handled player selection, McCullum has since taken on that responsibility, believing in personal communication and honesty when delivering good news or difficult decisions. 

Wright, having spent the summer gathering insights from scouts across county cricket, will offer his expertise alongside deep data analysis by team analysts. However, McCullum is known to prioritize instinct over algorithms, with the squad largely set.


**England's Top Order Remains in Flux**

The top seven batting spots appear solidified despite inconsistent performances from Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley. The seam attack hinges on the fitness of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, who require cryogenic treatment to be ready for the Australian summer. 

This past series against India has offered limited lessons applicable to the Ashes.  Facing a different bowling attack in contrasting conditions on unfamiliar pitches will present new challenges for England. While victories at home are impressive, they don't necessarily translate to success in Australia.


**England Seek Answers and Reinforcements**

Several questions remain unanswered as England prepares for its toughest test. 

* Will Jacob Bethell’s raw talent be utilized?  Will he join the squad as backup batter or develop his skills through Lions games?
* Chris Woakes, sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, faces an uphill battle to secure a place.
* Ben Stokes' fitness is paramount for England's success. He must be able to bat, bowl, and field at peak performance across all five Tests. 

**Spin Options Under Scrutiny**

The choice of a spinner remains a crucial decision. Ricky Ponting has emphasized the importance of a front-line spinner in every Test, even in Perth where pace often dominates. Shoaib Bashir, who impressed with his match-winning performance at Lord's before suffering a broken finger, is still under consideration despite concerns about his batting and fielding.

Liam Dawson failed to capitalize on his opportunity at Old Trafford, highlighting the difficulty of earning a recall from county form. Jack Leach and Tom Hartley offer alternative options with experience and strong recent performances.


**Rehan Ahmed: The Wildcard Contender**

Rehan Ahmed, a talented all-rounder who could potentially replace Pope at No. 3, remains a wildcard choice.  His raw talent and leg-spin complement Joe Root's off-breaks when Stokes needs tactical variety.

However, Bashir currently holds the spinner's position due to Key and McCullum’s faith in him since their initial meeting during a Lions training camp in the UAE in 2023.  As England assembles its Ashes squad, Bazball's commitment to its chosen players remains unwavering.


**Ashes 2025-26 Test Matches:**

* First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November
* Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December
* Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (day-night Test)
* Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December
* Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January   





## Ashes Squad Selection Looms as England's Bazball Faces Australia’s Challenge

**McCullum trusts his gut as selectors finalize the squad for a grueling five-T

#Cricket

Where to watch West Indies vs. Pakistan free live stream, TV channel, start time for 1st ODI match

The England selection decision looming large before The Ashes