England have named three spinners in their squad for the final Test match against Pakistan, set to take place from October 24 to 29 in Rawalpindi.
The decision comes as England anticipates a spin-friendly wicket, with local groundstaff preparing the pitch to favor the home side’s spinners.
Harry Brook, one of England’s key players, hinted at the conditions during a recent press conference, expressing his belief that the pitch had been deliberately “raked” by the groundstaff to suit Pakistan’s spin attack. “They’ve had the rakes out, the fans and the heaters on the pitch,” Brook remarked. “Everyone sees the wicket and says something different… Hopefully, it’s like other Pakistani pitches—good for batting early on, but offering turn towards the back end of the game.”
England has responded to these conditions by bringing back young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed into the playing XI. Rehan’s return is seen as a strategic move, providing an additional spin option alongside Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Rehan, who played three Tests earlier this year in India, is making his comeback after being rested following a challenging run in domestic cricket, where he struggled in both the County Championship and the Hundred tournament.
Despite his recent form, England is banking on Rehan’s talent to deliver on a Rawalpindi pitch that could offer significant spin. His performance in India may have been underwhelming, but the English camp remains hopeful that the conditions in Pakistan will suit him better. Captain Ben Stokes and his team are optimistic that Rehan’s inclusion will balance their attack, especially considering the potential impact of Pakistan’s spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.
Meanwhile, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts have been rested for the final Test, following their heavy workload in the series. Carse, who has been England’s standout bowler on this tour with nine wickets, will sit out as Gus Atkinson returns to the side. Atkinson played a key role in England’s innings win in the first Test, taking 4 for 145.
Harry Brook, reflecting on his experience with Rawalpindi’s traditionally flat pitches, acknowledged that this time around, the surface might offer more turn earlier in the match. He noted the significance of Pakistan’s spin duo, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming game.
England will look to adjust to these conditions in a crucial Test as they aim to build on their strong performances from earlier in the series.
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.