It all started at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, where two years ago, England and Ben Stokes achieved one of their greatest wins, scoring 657 runs in 101 overs and taking all 20 Pakistan wickets on a lifeless pitch. That victory showed the world what England, under captain Ben Stokes, could accomplish, launching the aggressive 'Bazball' style of play.
Now, as England plays their final game in the subcontinent for the next two years, this match will not only decide the series but also reflect their overall success in this region, where they have won five matches and lost five.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is coming off a strong 152-run win in Multan, their first home victory in almost four years. Led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, Pakistan is looking to replicate the spin-friendly conditions of Multan in Rawalpindi, a venue traditionally known for favoring seamers.
Both teams had light practice sessions on Wednesday. England had a range-hitting competition, which Rehan Ahmed won, while Pakistan's batters worked with their coaches. England's players, including James Anderson, practiced with bowlers who won't be playing in the game.
Rawalpindi was also where Pakistan's struggles at home began after flattening the pitch during Australia's 2022 tour. They haven't won a Test series since, and a win here would mark their first series victory since July 2023.
Match Details:
- Date: Starts Thursday, October 24, at 10:00 AM PKT | 10:30 AM IST
- Venue: Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Conditions: Spin is expected to play a big role. The weather will be pleasant, with temperatures in the high 20s and no rain forecast.
Team News:
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Pakistan: They are sticking with the same lineup that won in Multan, with seven spinners and one seamer.
- Pakistan XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Zahid Mehmood.
- Pakistan XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Zahid Mehmood.
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England: England named three specialist spinners, with Joe Root as the fourth option. Gus Atkinson is back after resting in the second Test.
- England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson.
- Tags:
- Sports
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