Pakistan stick to winning formula against revamped England for final Test

The third and deciding Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi promises to be an intense battle, with both teams aiming to clinch the series in a match that is expected to hinge on spin bowling.

After an up-and-down series where both sides have seen triumphs and setbacks, the stage is set for a gripping finale that could hinge on who can best handle the conditions.

England started the series on a dominant note, registering an overwhelming innings victory in the first Test on a lifeless Multan pitch where their batters piled up a colossal 823-7. Pakistan, however, made a stunning comeback in the second Test, triumphing by 152 runs on a reused, spinning track. With the series tied 1-1, all eyes are now on the Rawalpindi pitch, which both teams expect to favor the spinners as the match progresses.

Pitch and tactical adjustments

The preparation of the Rawalpindi surface has become a talking point, with Pakistan resorting to unique methods to try and ensure a spin-friendly wicket. Industrial-sized fans and heaters have been employed to dry the pitch, in the hope of replicating the spin-heavy conditions from Multan.

England fast bowling mentor James Anderson and Joe Root inspect the pitch during practice on Tuesday.Reuters

Pakistan have decided to stick to their playing XI from the second Test, fielding three frontline spinners: Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood, with Aamer Jamal as the sole fast bowler. Despite some debate about whether Zahid Mahmood should be replaced after a less-than-effective outing in Multan, Pakistan's unchanged lineup reflects confidence in their spin attack. This decision also signals their belief that the pitch will break up as the game progresses, offering more turn to their slower bowlers.

England, on the other hand, have made two changes, bringing in Gus Atkinson as the lone specialist fast bowler and Rehan Ahmed as the third spinner, joining Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir in a bid to counter the expected spin-dominated game. Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts have been rested.

England captain's Ben Stokes during a press conference on Wednesday.Reuters

England captain Ben Stokes backed his three spinners, saying he has confidence in their ability to meet the challenge in Rawalpindi.

"I'll be backing the three spinners that we've picked," Stokes told reporters after a training session on the eve of the third and final Test.

"We don't know exactly how the wicket will play, but we've taken as much information from it as we can.

"We think the longer the game goes, the more spin will come into play."

Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie, the former Australia fast bowler, also expects the near-bald pitch "to favour the slower bowlers".

A series victory over England would mark a stark change in Pakistan’s fortunes.

"Over the last few years Pakistan's Test cricket hasn't been where we'd like it to be, so any win is a positive," Gillespie said.

Toss will be vital

Winning the toss could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this Test. Both teams will be eager to bat first, looking to take advantage of the early days when the pitch may be more suited for batting. As the game wears on, the pitch is expected to deteriorate and aid the spinners, making batting last a daunting prospect. With a lush outfield likely reducing the impact of reverse swing, spinners are expected to take center stage.

England’s aggressive "Bazball" approach has faltered on turning tracks, with five consecutive losses on such pitches, including four against India and the second Test in Multan. Stokes himself has had a rough time with the bat in Asia, averaging just 15 in his last 11 innings on the continent.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on England's vulnerability to spin. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan played key roles in their Multan victory, and they will aim for a repeat performance. Zahid Mahmood will need to step up as support.

Key players to watch

For Pakistan, Noman Ali will be the player to watch. His performance in Multan, where he took key wickets on a turning track, could be crucial once again if the Rawalpindi pitch breaks up as expected.

Kamran Ghulam and Salman Ali Agha’s form with the bat will also be vital, as their ability to counter England’s spinners could make a significant difference in Pakistan’s fortunes.

Kamran impressed with a century on debut, while Salman has been in fine form, becoming Pakistan's highest-ranked (14) Test batter after overtaking Babar Azam (equal 19th), Mohammad Rizwan (21st) and Saud Shakeel (27th) courtesy of his recent heroics.

For England, the spotlight will be on Joe Root and Ben Duckett, the two batters who have shown good ability to handle spin in this series. Root, in particular, will be expected to anchor the innings and guide England through what could be testing periods of spin bowling.

On the eve of the Test, assistant coach Paul Collingwood conducted a light-hearted training competition, where Rehan Ahmed edged out Harry Brook in a hitting contest. England will be hoping Rehan takes the confidence into the match as he will also be a player to watch. His inclusion is a gamble, but if the pitch offers turn, he could play a crucial role in England’s bowling attack.

England's Rehan Ahmed and Harry Brook in a hitting contest during practice session on Wednesday in Rawalpindi.Reuters

The third Test in Rawalpindi is poised to be a battle of attrition, with both teams looking to exploit spin-friendly conditions. Pakistan will be hoping to capitalize on their momentum from the second Test, while England will be aiming to overcome their struggles on spinning tracks and secure a series victory. Either way, cricket fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to what has been a fascinating series.

Pakistan XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood

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