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Pakistan’s batsman Babar Azam rued the dropped catches which led to the side one-wicket defeat in the first Test against West Indies on Monday.

After the match, Babar paid tribute to the ‘beauty of Test cricket’, he also praised the efforts of the bowlers who fought hard while trying to defend a very low target.

"This is the beauty of Test cricket. We put in a good effort with the bat [first innings] and the bowlers then restricted them. Again, in the second innings, we fought with the bat and the bowlers hit back,” Babar said.

“It was swinging and seaming throughout in the second innings. But we were patient, and our attempt was to stitch together partnerships. Our bowlers were really good, especially Abbas and Shaheen. Had we taken those dropped catches, the result could have been different," he added.

West Indies were set to chase 168 to win on the fifth day, Pakistan reduced the hosts to 16-3 and 151-9. But fast bowler Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales combined in a 17-run last-wicket partnership to carry West Indies to a dramatic win in the opening Test of this two-match series.

"I have never been in a situation like that before, batting with the tail. I am part of the tail, so for me it was to go out there and believe. That was the biggest thing - to believe and stay positive - and it worked, and I give thanks," said Roach after the memorable victory,”

"The plan was to just stay positive. That's me, I was just trying to take on every ball as it came. This is by far the most important innings so far. I was just trying to pick the gaps and run hard. My advice to Jayden was just protect the stumps. He did it very well,” added Roach.