For a cricket team, losing its identity can be disastrous. Over the last three years, Pakistan has struggled to define a winning template that aligns with its home conditions and available resources. Following a humiliating defeat in the first Test in Multan, the team has made seismic changes, and after achieving a much-needed Test victory at home, they are now determined to stick to their newfound approach.
After securing their first Test win at home in three years and eight months, Shan Masood emphasized the importance of understanding each venue's unique characteristics to align bowling attacks with the conditions. Yet, it seems Pakistan is adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy as they make meticulous efforts in Rawalpindi to replicate the pitch that facilitated their 152-run victory over England in the second Test.
Historically, Pindi Cricket Stadium has favored seamers. Since Test matches resumed here in 2019, spinners have averaged 50, while fast bowlers have taken a wicket every 34 runs. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board's modifications to the pitch characteristics for previous series turned it into one of the flattest surfaces globally, allowing England to score over 657 runs in 101 overs during their last visit.
Aaqib Javed, one of the newly appointed selectors, alongside local cricketers, tested the pitch for turn, bowling to Aleem Dar, a retired international umpire now part of the selection committee. Ground staff have employed gas heaters and industrial-sized fans to dry the surface ahead of the third Test, which is set to begin on October 24.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan's Test vice-captain, pointed out the climatic differences between Multan and Rawalpindi, noting that the latter tends to favor fast bowlers and offers more bounce. “We’ll try to create a similar pitch that benefits us and helps us secure a win,” Shakeel stated.
The lush green square at Pindi Cricket Stadium features only three shaved strips—one for each team to practice on and one for the Test match. Leaving heavy grass on the square is strategic; it aims to limit England’s pace bowlers’ ability to reverse swing while keeping the ball hard to assist spinners in generating sharp turn.
In response, England has named three specialist spinners, including the recall of Rehan Ahmed, and their pace attack features Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes, who recently returned to action. Pakistan is yet to announce their squad for the decisive Test, continuing their tradition of revealing line-ups the day before a match. Shakeel hinted at the possibility of fielding three spinners if the pitch dictates.
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