Pakistan has finalized their playing XI for the crucial third Test match against England. The home team has decided to stick with the same lineup that brought them success in the previous match in Multan. This marks the first time in Shan Masood’s captaincy tenure of seven Tests that Pakistan is fielding an unchanged team in back-to-back matches.
The decision to retain the winning combination is not surprising, considering Pakistan’s much-needed victory in the last Test, ending their 11-match winless streak in home Tests. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph, sharing all 20 wickets between them with their spin wizardry.
As they head into the final Test in Rawalpindi, Pakistan is making efforts to replicate the favorable playing conditions that aided their bowlers in Multan. Industrial fans are being used to dry the pitch, with vice-captain Saud Shakeel acknowledging their attempts to gain a home advantage.
The focus for Pakistan will be on their spinners once again, hoping for the pitch to assist them, while also expecting their batsmen to deliver. Debutant Kamran Ghulam impressed with a century in the last match, filling in for the injured Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha continued his good form with the bat. The team will rely on these players to come good in the Rawalpindi Test.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test remains unchanged, as they aim to clinch the series against England.