Rawalpindi: England has finalized its playing XI for the third and final Test against Pakistan, making two key changes to bolster their spin options ahead of the series decider. The tourists have brought in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, alongside Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, to form a three-pronged spin attack, while pacer Gus Atkinson returns as the lone specialist fast bowler.
According to International Cricket Council, England is relying heavily on spin in a match expected to favor slow bowlers. Following Pakistan’s series-leveling victory in the second Test in Multan, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts have been left out, as the team shifts its focus to spinners for the final Test on a Rawalpindi pitch that could turn later in the game, as indicated by batter Harry Brook.
England sits fifth on the ICC World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan holds the eighth position. The outcome of this match will be crucial for both teams as they vie for points in the championship race.
England 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.