Pakistan stick with unchanged playing XI for Test series decider against England in Rawalpindi

Pakistan have confirmed an unchanged playing XI for the crucial third Test against England in Rawalpindi, displaying faith in the same team that secured a comprehensive 152-run victory in the second Test at Multan. This move underscores the team’s confidence in the winning formula, as they seek to close out the series with a home victory.

First under Shan Masood leadership

This marks the first time under Shan Masood’s captaincy that Pakistan have opted for an unchanged lineup in consecutive Tests. Although there were considerations for tweaking the bowling attack, particularly the role of spinner Zahid Mahmood, who bowled just six overs in Multan, no changes were made. An injury to pacer Mir Hamza, who was a candidate for inclusion, also influenced the decision to maintain the same eleven.

Despite concerns about the performance of the Rawalpindi pitch, which historically favours pace over spin, the selectors decided to stick with the same combination of three spinners and two seamers that brought success in the second Test.

Shan Masood and the team management have placed their trust in the curators, who have been working to prepare a surface that could better suit their spin-heavy attack.

Intensive pitch preparations underway for Pakistan vs England

Preparations for the decider have been intense, with the curators focusing on ensuring the Rawalpindi surface offers assistance to the spinners. Over the weekend, large industrial fans, heaters, and windbreakers were employed in a bid to create dry conditions similar to the Multan pitch, which proved favourable for Pakistan’s slow bowlers.

Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s head coach, acknowledged the unusual measures taken with the pitch: “It’s an interesting pitch. Since I’ve been here, there’ve been fans on which we’ve all seen. So obviously it’s very dry and not a lot of grass on it. We probably expect it to favour the slower balls here.”

Footmarks have already been spotted outside the left-hander’s off-stump, which could offer some turn for both sides’ spinners as the match progresses. Pakistan will rely on their trio of Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali to exploit the conditions and apply pressure on England’s batting lineup.

Pakistan aiming for First Test series win since 2021

With the series level at 1-1, Pakistan are in a strong position to secure their first Test series win since defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in July 2023. A victory at Rawalpindi would also mark their first home series win since they beat South Africa 2-0 in February 2021.

The unchanged XI highlights the team’s belief in their current strategy, with young opener Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique expected to provide a solid foundation, while skipper Shan Masood will lead from the front. The middle-order, comprising Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammad Rizwan, will be crucial to Pakistan’s hopes of posting a competitive total.

Meanwhile, England have opted for changes in their bowling combination, bringing in an additional spinner to counter Pakistan’s spin-friendly lineup. The Rawalpindi Test promises to be a thrilling decider, with both teams eager to clinch the series.

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