The third and final test between Pakistan and England is set to begin on October 24 in Rawalpindi. With the series locked at 1-1, the Shan Masood-led side will be looking for their first test series win as they go unchanged playing 11 for the third test.
For the first time in Shan Masood’s captaincy in 7 tests, Pakistan are fielding the same playing 11 for two consecutive matches.
The Pakistan men secured their first win at home since 2021 in Multan last week by beating England by 152 runs. Pakistan had not won a single test in 11 matches in the format at home before that and was finally able to end a losing streak.
The men’s national selection committee has confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test against England, starting in Rawalpindi on Thursday, 24 October.#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/bkXGNhXYBu
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2024
The Hosts are trying to replicate the conditions in Rawalpindi and have been using industrial fans to dry the pitch. Saud Shakeel also said that Pakistan is trying to gain a home advantage.
“If you look at the difference between Multan and Pindi, there’s a difference in climate. said Saud Shakeel.
“Multan is warmer and more humid compared to Pindi. Pindi favours fast bowlers slightly and has more bounce, compared to Multan. The groundsman prepares according to that, and I think that’s what causes the changes in the pitch.”
“But the way the pitch looks and the success we got in the second Test, we’ll try for a similar kind of pitch that favours us and helps us win this game,” Shakeel said.
The hosts will be hoping for the surface of their spinners and also expect the same set of players to perform with the bat. Kamran Ghulam who came in as a replacement for Babar, smacked a century while Salman Ali Agha continued to bat with fine performance.
England has secured the 5th position while Pakistan stands 8th in the WTC points table. The third test of the series will begin on October 24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan Playing 11 for third England Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Zahid Mahmood.
