Preview: The Series Decider in Pindi

Grassroots Cricket|

The upcoming third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi promises to be a thrilling series decider, with both teams tied at 1-1 after Pakistan’s impressive victory in Multan.

After the Multan pitch made headlines, Pindi test has now drawn attention as the management and pitch curators are trying to make the pitch more spin friendly. The use of industrial fans and heaters to remove moisture from the pitch is part of the preparation, ensuring that conditions are dry and conducive to spin.

“They’ve had the rakes out, the fans and the heaters on the pitch,” Brook said. “Hopefully, it’s just like any other Pakistani pitch.”

Historically, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been known as a batting paradise, offering plenty of runs with some assistance to seamers.

England has included three specialist spinners in their playing XI: Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir, and the leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. This move leaves England with just two fast-bowling options, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has confirmed an unchanged playing XI for the third Test. This decision reflects Pakistan’s confidence in the lineup that secured victory in Multan, particularly their spinners who played a pivotal role in dismantling England’s batting order.

England’s playing XI:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

Pakistan’s playing XI:

Saimm Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C ), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood