Pakistan vice-captain banks on spin strategy in England series decider

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s vice-captain, Saud Shakeel, expressed confidence in the team’s spin strategy with the hope of replicating the success of the Multan Test in the upcoming third Test against England.

The three-match Test series is currently levelled 1-1 and the deciding third match will be played from 24 October to 28 October at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the series opener. The home side made an array of changes for the remainder of the series, including dropping their star batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Domestic performer Kamran Ghulam made his long-awaited debut during the second Test against England, while spin bowlers Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood made their return to the Test side.

The changes proved fruitful as Kamran scored a century on his debut, while Sajid and Noman shared 20 wickets to steer Pakistan to their first Test victory at home since February 2021.

Saud Shakeel, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday, remained optimistic that the groundsmen will make a spin-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi that will assist the home team.

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“Look, in my opinion, considering the type of pitch we’re seeing and the success we had in the second match, we’ll try to prepare a similar pitch that favours us,” said Saud.

“Multan has a bit more heat and humidity compared to Rawalpindi. Pindi generally favours fast bowlers, and you can get a bit more bounce there compared to Multan.

“Keeping these factors in mind, the groundsmen are preparing accordingly, ensuring that heaters and fans are needed due to the conditions. As it appears, the pitch looks like it will be spin-friendly.”

The left-hander praised spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali for their impressive comeback in the second Test against England, expressing high hopes for them to help the team win the series.

“Both of them were under pressure as they were making a comeback to the team. However, they showed that they have significant first-class experience backing them,” Saud added.

“Hopefully, both will contribute in the same way in the third match to help the team win.”

READ: England make two changes to Playing XI for third Pakistan Test