Rawalpindi-(Mudassar Iqbal): The pitch for the series-deciding Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi was under close examination on Tuesday, as the hosts worked to dry the surface in hopes of replicating last week’s spin-driven victory.
Pakistan’s strategy of using the same pitch for consecutive matches proved successful in Multan, where they secured a 152-run win on Friday, leveling the series at 1-1. The victory came largely thanks to left-arm spinner Noman Ali and right-arm off-spinner Sajid Khan, who together took all 20 of England’s wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 144 while chasing a target of 297.
The final Test is set to start on Thursday, and Pakistan is deploying windbreaks, industrial fans, and patio heaters to dry out the pitch. They hope to recreate the conditions that led to their first series win since beating South Africa in 2021.
England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes spent time inspecting the pitch ahead of the team’s practice on Tuesday. “Everyone has a different take when looking at the wicket,” said England batsman Harry Brook. “Hopefully, it plays like most Pakistani pitches – good for batting early on and turning later in the match.”
Anticipating another spin-friendly encounter, England has included leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed in their lineup to complement Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also back in the squad, while Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse have been left out.
Pakistan is expected to stick with the same lineup from the second Test, favoring a combination of three spinners and just one fast bowler. Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel acknowledged that the team is aiming to produce another pitch that suits their strengths, as they seek a series win.
The Multan victory marked Pakistan’s first home Test win in 11 matches and came after England had dominated the first Test, also in Multan, with an innings-and-47-run triumph.
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