West Indies and Pakistan commence a two-Test series at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Thursday with head coach Phil Simmons concerned about the readiness of the home players for what is expected to be a formidable challenge from talented but mercurial opponents.

With the vulnerability of the hosts' batting mercilessly exploited by South Africa two months ago in a similar two-Test duel in St Lucia, Simmons made clear his displeasure on Monday that most of his Test match specialists did very little, if anything, while away from the international scene.