Pakistan announce playing XI for third Test against England

Decision comes after Pakistan's resounding 152-run victory in second Test in Multan, which levelled series at 1-1.

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Pakistan has named an unchanged playing XI for the third and final Test against England, which will commence on October 24 in Rawalpindi.

The decision comes after Pakistan's resounding 152-run victory in the second Test in Multan, which levelled the series at 1-1. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the team’s selection in an official statement.

Captain Shan Masood’s side delivered a strong all-round performance in the second Test, with spinners Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan playing pivotal roles in dismantling the English batting order.

Their efforts helped Pakistan secure a crucial win and set the stage for an exciting series decider.

In preparation for the third Test, the Pakistan team management has instructed curators in Rawalpindi to create a pitch similar to that of Multan, which favoured spin.

Traditionally known for being a batting-friendly surface, the pitch is expected to be adjusted with the use of pedestal fans and heaters to dry it out and make it more conducive to spin bowling.

The series has been tightly contested, with England dominating the first Test, winning by an innings and 47 runs, before Pakistan responded emphatically in the second match.

The third Test will determine the outcome of this thrilling series.

Pakistan’s unchanged XI includes key players like Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and captain Shan Masood, with the team banking on their spin attack to secure a series win.
Pakistan Playing XI for Third Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.