England announces squad for third test against Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: England announced their squad for the third test against Pakistan on Tuesday, favouring a more spin heavy bowling attack.

After losing by 152 runs. England have decided to strengthen their spin bowling assault, after being witness to Sajid Khan and Noman Ali’s dominance. Rehan Ahmed will be joining Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir.

Rehan Ahmed is a 20-year-old all-rounder who has played a total of four test matches. His bowling has proven effective against Pakistan before, taking seven wickets against the men in green in 2022. He also took an impressive six wickets against India in February of 2024. England’s decision to add another spinner is par for the course, as they have noticed Pakistan’s efforts to make the Rawalpindi surface similar to Multan’s.

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Espncricinfo reported on Monday that Pakistan is using industrial sized fans, windbreakers, and outdoor heaters in an attempt to dry out the surface at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which will end up benefitting spin bowling. Traditionally, seam bowlers have fared better on the surface.

Gus Atkinsons will also be returning to the squad after being rested for the second match. The fast bowler took four wickets total in the first test, two in each of Pakistan’s innings. After dismissing Saim Ayub early and taking the vital wicket of Abdullah Shafique in the first innings, he sent off Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam in the second.

Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts are leaving the squad for the final test. Carse took a total of five wickets over the two innings, while Potts took three.

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

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