England include Rehan Ahmed for series decider against Pakistan

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

England has called up leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed for the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan, set to take place in Rawalpindi. The 20-year-old joins left-arm spinner Jack Leach and off-break bowler Shoaib Bashir in a three-pronged spin attack, as the dry pitch is expected to favor spin.

England and Pakistan are tied 1-1 in the three-match series. England secured a dominant victory in the first Test, while Pakistan bounced back to win the second match by 152 runs.

The Rawalpindi pitch, scrutinized for its lack of grass, has been prepared using large fans and heaters to mimic the spin-friendly conditions that helped Pakistan’s spinners take all 20 wickets in the second Test.

Seam bowler Gus Atkinson has also been recalled, with Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts making way. Rehan, who claimed five wickets on his debut against Pakistan in 2022, is set to play his first Test since facing India earlier this year.

Pakistan is expected to respond with a strong spin attack of their own, possibly fielding three spinners, according to batsman Saud Shakeel. With the pitch likely to favor turn in the later stages, both teams are preparing for a tightly contested final encounter.

The third Test begins Thursday, with both sides aiming for a series victory.

England squad for the third Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.