England have opted to bolster their spin attack for the decisive third Test in Rawalpindi, acknowledging Pakistan's innovative efforts to create a turning pitch. Rehan Ahmed has been brought in as an additional spinner, marking his return to the side since February. Ahmed's legspin will complement the offspin of Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, while sacrificing seam bowling depth: Brydon Carse and Matt Potts are omitted, leaving Gus Atkinson as the sole specialist pace bowler.
This selection indicates that Ben Stokes is prepared to contribute more than the limited five overs per innings he managed in his comeback from injury during the second Test in Multan. Pakistan, in their previous match, fielded a lineup rich in part-time spinners along with two specialist offspinners and a legspinner. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali shared 87.5 overs and claimed all 20 wickets, while Zahid Mahmood, the legspinner, had minimal impact, bowling just six overs and none in England's second innings. Their team for the third Test remains unannounced.
In an effort to produce a turning pitch at a venue known for its flat, batter-friendly surfaces, the ground staff has employed patio heaters, windbreaks, and giant fans to dry out the wicket and expedite the formation and widening of cracks during the game. As the teams trained on Tuesday, only the fans were in place but not operational. Commenting on the pitch, Harry Brook noted, “I think they’ve had the rakes out, and the fans and heaters on the pitch, so hopefully it’ll be a nice pitch for the first couple of days, and then we’re expecting it to turn at the back end of the game.”
England's team for the third Test against Pakistan: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
