NEW DELHI: After losing the second Test by 152 runs against Pakistan in Multan, England have named three spinners in their playing XI for the third and final Test, which is set to commence in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
With the three-match series level at 1-1, England would aim to win the Test and series. For Pakistan, the second Test victory was their first win following seven losses at home in 11 Test matches.
England made two changes from the second Test in Multan with Pakistan is expected to prepare a similar spin-friendly pitch for the final Test, with Rehan Ahmed set to feature alongside fellow spinners Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach.
“Seamer Gus Atkinson returns and leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is named for the first time since the Test match against India in Rajkot back in February. Durham pair Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts both miss out,” stated an ECB release.
Left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been recalled to the England Test team for the current tour of Pakistan, where he has taken 14 wickets in two games at Multan.
England’s XI for the third Test:
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (C)
7. Jamie Smith
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Rehan Ahmed
10. Jack Leach
11. Shoaib Bashir
