RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — England has opted for a dynamic spin strategy featuring three spinners, including Rehan Ahmed, for the pivotal third test against Pakistan, which is set to commence on Thursday. This decision comes in the wake of a dry pitch created using industrial-grade fans and outdoor heaters.
Rehan Ahmed, who last played at the international level in February, is making a comeback. Alongside him, Gus Atkinson stands as the only dedicated fast bowler. The duo steps in for Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse, who impressed during their respective test debuts this series, clinching nine wickets between them in the two matches held at Multan.
Joining Ahmed is left-arm spinner Jack Leach and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Notably, Ahmed had a remarkable debut in Pakistan two years ago, capturing five wickets in a match played in Karachi.
The ground staff at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have employed large hot-air fans for three days to dry the pitch, supplemented by outdoor heating appliances placed strategically behind the fans to expedite the drying process.
“They’ve had the rakes out, the fans and the heaters on the pitch,” shared England batter Harry Brook with a grin on Tuesday during practice. “We hope this pitch behaves like a typical Pakistani surface, good for batting initially, and perhaps offers some spin later in the match.”
In the series, England triumphed in the first test by an innings, while Pakistan claimed victory in the second match on a reused Multan pitch, effectively neutralizing the visitors’ performance with their spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, leading to a 152-run win.
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, expressed hope for another spin-friendly pitch to cap off a series that witnessed the team breaking an 11-match winless streak at home. Brooklyn added, “We just need to maintain our style of play. Our recent performances have been entertaining, attracting crowds, and if we stick to our game, the outcomes will naturally follow.”
England holds fond memories of Rawalpindi, having amassed 657 runs in just 101 overs during their last visit, concluding that test in an exhilarating finish. However, the pitch conditions anticipated this week contrast sharply with those of their previous encounter.
Brook, who made headlines with a century in that match two years ago, reflected, “That surface was incredible for batting, and we scored at a rapid pace. This upcoming game is likely to be different. There could be spin earlier on, and who knows? It might start off as a solid pitch, giving us a great start.”
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England’s Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.