Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on October 23 announced Pakistan’s playing XI for the third and final Test of the series against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan did not tinker with the winning combination.
The team selection indicates that Rawalpindi is a spin-friendly pitch as well. Pakistan have only one pacer, Aamer Jamal, in the side. Pakistan will rely on the services of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood along with part-time spinners Agha Salman, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for third Test –
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan, (wk), Agha Salman, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood
Pakistan’s chance to end another drought
The Shan Masood-led side ended their long-running drought for a Test win at home in Multan. Now, the hosts will target their first Test series win at home after more than three and a half years. Pakistan's last Test series at home came against South Africa. They won the series 2-0 under Babar Azam's captaincy.
England resort to spin-heavy attack too
Meanwhile, after the 152-run defeat in Multan, England made two changes to their side. They brought back Gus Atkinson in place of Brydon Carse. Also, they added an additional spinner replacing Matthew Potts. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed will play his first match of the series.
England have three spinners in the side including left-arm spinner Jack Leach and right-arm off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. In-form batter Joe Root can roll his arm as well when the need arises. However, unlike Pakistan, the visitors have two pace-bowling options. Along with Atkinson, Stokes is likely to bowl with the new ball.
England’s Playing XI for third Test –
Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir