Pakistan release XI for third Test against England. (Photo Source: PCB)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has named an unchanged XI from the second Test against England to feature in the third and final game of the series. The high-stakes match is sure to be a cracker of a contest considering how the series has played out.
After receiving a mauling at the hands of the visitors, who were coming off a successful red-ball summer, Pakistan decided to re-shuffle the unit by injecting young blood at the expense of seniors such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah.The ploy worked out well for the hosts as they secured a victory in Multan to restore parity in the series.
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
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
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The Rawalpindi Test sets the tone for a mouth-watering contest lined up. Pakistan have a chance to defeat England for the first time in a red-ball series since 2015-16 season. Not only that, they also have a point to prove to the critics who have been brutal on them since a long time now.
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However, one interesting point is the change in venue. The first two Tests were played in Multan. A once-lifeless surface which was as passive as a sloth when England recorded one of their greatest away victories in 2022 is expected to offer much more spice to the spinners this time. Spinners from both camps, particularly the heroes of the second Test – Sajid Khan and Noman Ali – would be raring to go on a track which is anticipated to provide purchase since Day 1.