The series-deciding third Test between England and Pakistan, commencing on Thursday in Rawalpindi, is poised to be a captivating clash of spin prowess. England captain Ben Stokes has predicted a spin-dominated battle, anticipating that the Rawalpindi pitch will heavily favor slow bowlers.
England’s dominance in the first Test, where they piled up a mammoth 823-7 to thrash Pakistan by an innings on a lifeless Multan pitch, was short-lived. Pakistan responded with a resounding 152-run victory in the second Test on a recycled and turning Multan track.
In preparation for the deciding match, Pakistan has opted for a spin-heavy strategy, retaining the same three frontline spinners – Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood – with just one fast bowler, Aamer Jamal. They have even utilized industrial fans and heaters to dry the Rawalpindi pitch, hoping to replicate the spin-led success that ended their drought of home wins dating back to 2021.
Undeterred, Stokes has expressed confidence in his own spin trio: Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir, and the recalled Rehan Ahmed. “I’ll be backing the three spinners that we’ve picked,” Stokes told reporters after a training session on the eve of the match. “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.”
Echoing Stokes’ sentiment, Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie, the former Australia fast bowler, expects the near-bald pitch to “favor the slower bowlers.” The toss could prove crucial, with both teams eager to bat first and leverage their spinners’ impact on a deteriorating pitch.
Pakistan’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with a 2-0 home Test series defeat against Bangladesh and early exits from the ODI and T20 World Cups. A series win against England would signify a significant turnaround for the team. Gillespie acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “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.”
With both sides poised to unleash their spinners on a turning pitch, the final Test promises to be a captivating duel of spin warfare. The outcome will decide the series victor and potentially signal a shift in fortunes for Pakistan.