In a bold move, Pakistan has announced an unchanged starting eleven for the third Test against England, set to take place in Rawalpindi. This decision comes on the heels of Pakistan’s convincing 152-run victory over England in the second Test held in Multan, which leveled the series at 1-1.
Captain Shan Masood will lead the same side that triumphed in Multan, marking the first time he has fielded an unchanged XI during his tenure. Despite speculation that Zahid Mahmood might be replaced following his six ineffective overs in the last match, an injury to Mir Hamza, Pakistan’s preferred pace option, left the team with no choice but to retain their spin-heavy lineup.
The selectors’ confidence reflects a strategic gamble on the curators’ ability to prepare a pitch conducive to spin, similar to Multan. Historically, Rawalpindi’s surface has not favored spin bowlers, with Pakistan previously deploying an all-pace attack against Bangladesh just two Tests ago.
In anticipation of favorable conditions for spinners, curators have worked diligently since the conclusion of the second Test. Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, members of the selection committee, were spotted on-site shortly after the last match, while industrial fans and heaters were installed over the weekend to dry the pitch. By Monday, the heaters were removed, but fans continued to blow, highlighting the preparation for a spin-friendly surface.
Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s head coach, remarked on the unique pitch conditions. “It’s an interesting pitch,” he noted, adding that the dry surface and absence of grass suggest it will likely favor slower deliveries.
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With both teams set to employ a trio of spinners—each fielding a left-arm spinner, a finger spinner, and a leg-spinner—the match promises to be a thrilling contest as Pakistan seeks its first home series victory since defeating South Africa 2-0 in February 2021.
Pakistan Playing XI for Third Test Against England
1. Saim Ayub
2. Abdullah Shafique
3. Shan Masood (captain)
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
7. Salman Agha
8. Aamer Jamal
9. Sajid Khan
10. Noman Ali
11. Zahid Mahmood
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