MULTAN, Pakistan — Captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shan Masood, is optimistic that the warm weather will contribute to another pitch conducive to spin bowling for the third and final test against England, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi next week. This follows Pakistan’s recent victory over England by 152 runs in the second test.

In a standout performance, spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were responsible for taking all 20 wickets of the English team during the second test. This win not only marked the end of Masood’s six-match losing streak as captain, but it also signified Pakistan’s first home victory since defeating South Africa in early 2021.

Pakistan’s strategic decision to use the same pitch in the warm conditions of Multan, where they faced a defeat by an innings in the first test, proved beneficial. The team even implemented the use of two large industrial fans to expedite the drying process of the pitch, fielding a lineup that featured seven spinners.

“I don’t think there’s an autumn in Pakistan. There’s a summer that transitions into winter, so we’re hopeful that the sunlight will help and the wicket for the third test will become drier,” said Masood.

The series decider is set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the same location where Bangladesh had achieved a notable 2-0 series victory back in September.

“I’m not certain whether I’ve seen much spin in Rawalpindi, which is another consideration,” Masood explained. “The groundsmen are already on-site, preparing a pitch for the match, and we will aim to create a quality test wicket that allows both teams the opportunity to take 20 wickets.”