RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has opted to retain its spin-focused lineup for the series-deciding third Test against England, set to begin on Thursday. Both teams expect the dry Rawalpindi pitch to favor spin bowling.
Ground staff at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have been working for four days, using industrial fans and outdoor heaters to dry the pitch, as Pakistan aims to replicate the spin success seen in Multan. There, Pakistan’s spinners ended a home win drought dating back to 2021.
In Multan, left-arm spinner Noman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan claimed all 20 England wickets on a reused pitch, leveling the series at 1-1. England had taken the first Test by an innings, posting a record 823-7, with Harry Brook scoring a triple century and Joe Root achieving a career-best 262.
Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood, the third slow bowler, delivered six wicketless overs in England’s first innings in the second Test. However, he wasn’t needed in the second innings as Noman and Sajid bowled out England for 144, securing a 152-run victory for Pakistan.
“The wicket is quite dry with little grass on it,” Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie remarked on Wednesday. “It will likely benefit the slower bowlers.”
The toss is expected to play a critical role, as both teams aim to bat first and exploit spin as the pitch deteriorates. “The toss is always a 50-50 call, but both teams will want it to go their way,” Gillespie added.
Gillespie acknowledged Pakistan’s recent struggles in Test cricket but expressed pride in the team’s recent improvements. “Every win is significant, and we’re working hard on key areas,” the former Australian pacer noted.
Following Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a new selection panel would take over. However, Gillespie emphasized that his focus remains on the team, leaving selection matters to the panel. “As head coach, our priority is to play our best cricket.”
Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes inspected the pitch ahead of the third Test, anticipating a contest dominated by spin.
Pakistan has endured a rough period in all formats over the past year, losing a home Test series 2-0 to Bangladesh and failing to progress beyond the first rounds of both the ODI and T20 World Cups. A series victory over England could mark a significant turnaround.
“Pakistan’s recent Test performances haven’t been where we want them, so any win is a positive,” said Gillespie. He emphasized the importance of putting England’s spinners under pressure and posting strong totals.
England has recalled leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed as a third spin option to join Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Stokes predicted a spin battle on the dry Rawalpindi pitch.
“We’ll have to see how the wicket plays out, but we expect spin to become more crucial as the game progresses,” Stokes commented after England’s final training session. “I’ll be backing our three spinners.”
England’s lineup has seen Rehan Ahmed replace Matthew Potts, while Gus Atkinson comes in for Brydon Carse, who is being rested. Stokes also noted that reverse swing might be difficult to achieve due to the green outfield surrounding the pitch.
“The square is lush and green, making reverse swing unlikely. Spin will likely become more important as the game goes on,” Stokes explained.
Teams:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
