England opt for spin strategy for final Pakistan Test in Rawalpindi

England have made a bold selection choice for their third and final Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, including leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to the playing XI and resting two pacers, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts.

The inclusion of three spinners signals England’s intention to adapt to Rawalpindi’s likely spin-friendly conditions.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood had expressed a clear desire for a turning track, and the PCB has deployed Australian curator Tony Hemming to oversee the pitch preparation in Rawalpindi. The measures being taken are nothing short of extraordinary. To create a dry and spin-friendly surface, the curators employed industrial-sized fans and patio heaters to bake the pitch. The goal is to make the surface as dry as possible before the match starts.

England team members inspect the pitch during practice on Tuesday in Rawalpindi.Reuters

In the ongoing series, England claimed a dominant victory in the first Test in Multan, winning by an innings and 47 runs. However, Pakistan bounced back with a strong 152-run win in the second Test at the same venue, where the reused surface offered significant turn. Pakistan’s spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, proved devastating, claiming all 20 English wickets.

England’s strategy

As a result, England expects a similar pitch in Rawalpindi and has adjusted their team accordingly. Ahmed will be supported by fellow spinners Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson has also been drafted into the side.

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, England batter Harry Brook told the BBC, “We know it’s probably not going to swing and seam in the first session, so we’re studying the pitch and deciding what the best combination is.”

Rehan made an impactful debut in the 2022 tour of Pakistan, where he claimed a five-wicket haul as England secured a historic 3-0 series sweep. Brook praised the young leg-spinner, saying, “He’s an exceptional cricketer, not only in terms of his bowling but his batting and fielding too. He’s young, so he has plenty of time to develop even further. He took five wickets in his last Test here, and we’re hoping he can replicate that performance.”

England's Rehan Ahmed in action during the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi in 2022.Reuters

While Ahmed’s inclusion boosts England’s spin department, the decision also presents a potential risk. The absence of fast bowlers Carse and Potts leaves England with only two pace options: Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes. Traditionally, Rawalpindi has favored seamers, and with limited fast-bowling resources, England could find themselves vulnerable. However, Rawalpindi’s recent reputation as a batting paradise may offset this, as demonstrated during England’s memorable win two years ago when they amassed 657 runs in just 101 overs.

England’s decision might also be influenced by the pitch conditions. The Rawalpindi square looks lush, and reverse swing may not play as big a role as it did in Multan, where the dry and abrasive strips allowed England’s seamers to reverse the old ball. This week, however, there are only three cut strips on the square — the main Test pitch and two practice surfaces. Pakistan are keen to prevent the conditions from aiding England’s reverse swing bowlers.

England team members during practice on Tuesday in Rawalpindi.Reuters

If England’s spin gamble pays off, the team could benefit from winning the toss and posting a substantial first-innings total. Even if the pitch doesn’t offer turn from the outset, it is likely to deteriorate as the match wears on, creating opportunities for spinners like Ahmed in Pakistan’s second innings.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

Injury cloud over Mir Hamza

On the other side, Pakistan are also pondering their options for the third Test. Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood, who had a limited role in the second Test, may not be guaranteed a spot in the final game. Pakistan could opt to include another pace bowler to balance their attack, despite their spinners’ success in Multan. However, there are concerns about the fitness of left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, who has been struggling with a niggling injury in his right glute.

Hamza did not take part in Pakistan’s practice session on Tuesday, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming match. He was seen performing glute exercises under the supervision of physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon but did not bowl during the three-hour session.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali, the other pacer in Pakistan’s 16-man squad, has been bowling at full intensity in the nets and is being considered as a possible replacement for Zahid Mahmood. Ali’s inclusion could provide Pakistan with a more balanced pace-spin combination, especially if Hamza is ruled out.

With both teams weighing their options and the series delicately poised at 1-1, the third Test in Rawalpindi promises to be a fascinating contest. England’s spin-heavy strategy reflects their adaptability to the subcontinent’s conditions, while Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and exploit any weaknesses in the visitors’ game plan. As the teams prepare for this decisive match, much will depend on how the pitch behaves and which side can best exploit the conditions.