Speaking Of A Long Lunch ...

It must be a long time since world cricket has had a four month break from Tests cricket but as Pakistan and West Indies prepare to reignite the long game, Australians still have a long time to wait before we can watch the existing skipper, Michael Clarke, in his "new" role.

In the Caribbean, two sides who have been racked with controversy and inner turmoil for longer than the NSW Labor Party, begin a two Test series. As hard as it is to imagine, its Pakistan that appear the most settled and their skipper Misbah-ul-Haq worry free. After a five match one day series in which a Shahid Afridi led Pakistan won 3-2, the tourists have played just one tour match - a two day game game against the Guyanian President's XI. Mishbah peeled of a 132 ball unbeaten hundred as each side batted just once. Its on the basis of these six games that both sides now enter a Tests series. Such is the nature of the modern game.

The West Indies are again all over the shop with Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard refusing to sign player contracts, claiming the contracts would limit their options to make money in other more lucrative parts of the world game. As a result, they have not been invited to play in Providence. Add to the missing, Jerome Taylor, the quick bowler who killed off in England in 90 minutes the last time the The Three Lions toured in 2009. He'd rather play in the IPL. Chanderpaul has been recalled after he was dropped from the one day side, showing at least some common sense is possible after he has averaged 68 in Tests since 2007 but the Windies batting looks brittle.

Pakistan are a long way from being convincing with the willow themselves and the match boils down to which side's bowlers can cause the most damage to the other sides shaky batting line up. The West Indies will likely give the leg spinner Bishoo his Test debut after he was the leading wicket taker in the ODI series but it is the composition of the bowling line up which is causing them the most worry. Sarwan has long been out of form but the side needs his experience. Marlon Samuels may return after three years on the outer after a dalliance with book makers. All of this makes for problems about where to bat wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh. In strengthening the batting, the bowling loses variety and depth.

The match beings tonight Australian time.