England’s spin trio of Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir, and Jack Leach will take on Pakistan’s spinners on a Rawalpindi pitch that has been prepared to favor the home team’s slow bowlers. The move is a gamble, as it leaves England with only two fast-bowling options in Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes.
Ahmed, who made his Test debut in Pakistan two years ago, has been recalled to the side after a disappointing tour of India earlier this year. He will be expected to provide England with a third spin option alongside Bashir and Leach.
Pakistan has gone to great lengths to dry out the pitch in Rawalpindi, using rakes, fans, and heaters. The move is an attempt to replicate the conditions in Multan, where Pakistan won the second Test by 152 runs on a recycled strip.
England’s decision to field three spinners is a risk, but it is one that they believe is necessary. The pitch in Rawalpindi has historically suited seam over spin, but it has also been among the world’s best for batting since its return to staging Tests in 2019.
England will need to bat well on the first few days of the Test if they are to avoid falling behind. The pitch is expected to turn earlier than usual, which could give Pakistan’s spinners a chance to make early inroads.
Harry Brook, who was dismissed for 9 and 16 by Pakistan’s spinners in the second Test, believes that Sajid Khan and Noman Ali will play a “massive part” in Rawalpindi. “I’ve spoken to a few of the lads about gameplans and how we’re going to go about it,” he said. “Hopefully, it pays off and I play a big part in the game.”
England’s team for the third Test is as follows:
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (capt)
7. Jamie Smith (wk)
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Rehan Ahmed
10. Jack Leach
11. Shoaib Bashir
