Rawalpindi (Web Desk): England won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan in the third and final Test of three-match series in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The series is tied 1-1 after England won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs but Pakistan's impressive response in the second Test, with 152 runs victory, set the stage for a thrilling finale.
Pakistan, aiming for first home Test series win since defeating South Africa in February 2021, have opted for a spin-heavy lineup in this match, featuring three spinners including Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood, along with Aamer Jamal as their only fast bowler.
England, on the other hand, have brought in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to bolster their spin attack, joining Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Gus Atkinson makes his return after a rest during the second Test, with Ben Stokes providing additional fast-bowling options.
This setup suggests a compelling clash between Pakistan’s spin arsenal and England’s mixed attack, setting the stage for an intriguing series.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir.
