The highly anticipated third and final Test between Pakistan and England begins today, October 24, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with both teams looking to clinch the series, currently tied 1-1. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intense contest in this series decider.

Teams Rely on Spin for Pivotal Match

Both Pakistan and England have focused heavily on spin bowling for this match. Pakistan, who leveled the series with a dominant 152-run victory in Multan, have named an unchanged playing XI, banking on spinners Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan to deliver once again. England, on the other hand, have added young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to bolster their spin attack, alongside Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir.

England also brought in fast bowler Gus Atkinson, replacing Brydon Carse, as they aim to balance spin with pace, while Pakistan will rely solely on Aamir Jamal as their primary pacer. The decision to go spin-heavy was influenced by expectations that the Rawalpindi pitch will assist spinners later in the match, although it may initially favor batting and offer some reverse swing to the fast bowlers.

Curators Aim to Balance the Pitch

There has been widespread speculation about the nature of the Rawalpindi pitch. Senior ground staff have hinted that while the surface may offer assistance to spinners, it will likely be more batting-friendly during the first few days. Curators have been working with pedestal fans and heaters to dry out the pitch, aiming to replicate conditions similar to those in Multan, which favored spin bowlers.

However, some experts believe that the Pindi pitch won’t break up as easily as Multan’s did, given that it hasn’t been reused. This leaves both teams strategizing on how best to adapt to the changing conditions throughout the Test.

High Stakes for Both Sides

Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood will be hoping to end his team’s Test win drought in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan hasn’t won since February 2021. Conversely, England last defeated Pakistan at this venue in October 2022. With the series tied, both teams are under immense pressure to secure victory and take the series.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.

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