Gillespie confident of Pakistan's chances

The three-match series between Pakistan and England is level at 1-1

Pakistan men's red-ball Head Coach Jason Gillespie has exuded confidence in his team's preparation ahead of the third and final Test against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, beginning Thursday.

"We maintain open communication with our players, discussing their games and strategies for improvement. Our support staff has fostered strong relationships, creating a conducive environment for growth," Gillespie said in a press conference on Wednesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the third Test match.

Regarding Abrar Ahmed's heath, Gillespie said, "There's still no update but I've been in touch with him, and he's recovering well."

Gillespie acknowledged Pakistan's recent Test cricket struggles but expressed pride in the team's progress. "Any win is significant, and we're doing well as a support staff, focusing on key areas."

Following the first Test defeat in Multan, Gillespie noted that it was decided that a new selection panel will come in and make decisions. "As head coach, my focus remains on the players and let the selectors do their job. We'll concentrate on playing our best cricket."

Gillespie outlined Pakistan's strategy to combat England's spinners. "England have got young spinners in early stages of their career and then they have got Jack Leach who is a must more experienced bowler, so they have got good options. Our batters are very clear what their plans. Hopefully we can put England bowlers under pressure and post some really good total in this Test match," he said.

He praised England's Harry Brook, saying, "He's a fine player, but we managed to dismiss him in both innings. Every day, we play Test cricket, is an opportunity to learn and improve."

Stokes wants to contribute more

England captain Ben Stokes is poised to take on a more significant role with the ball in the upcoming third and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, starting on October 24.

After overcoming a hamstring injury sustained during the 2024 Hundred, Stokes made his return in the second Test, but was limited to just five overs per innings as England fell to a 152-run defeat.

With Pakistan capitalizing on a spin-friendly wicket in the second Test, England expects similar conditions for the series decider. In response, they have selected three specialist spinners, with Stokes and Gus Atkinson the only pace options.

Speaking ahead of the crucial match, Stokes emphasized the importance of adopting a proactive approach, highlighting the toss as a critical factor, stating, "Batting first will give us a clearer understanding of how Pakistan's spinners operate."

The English all-rounder also expressed confidence in his ability to contribute more with the ball.

"It was good to get through it. I have put myself through my paces at training, bowled two spells. Coming in and being one of only two seamers, I'm fully confident that I'll be able to get more out of myself this week than I did last week," Stokes told BBC.

In a tactical move, England have also included leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, alongside Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach, in their spin-heavy attack. Stokes praised Rehan's ability to make a game-changing impact.

"Leg-spinners have an amazing ability to break a game open. Having his batting ability lower down the order is also a massive bonus. The way Leach and Bashir have bowled has been fantastic in these first two Tests. Adding Rehan's free spirit and desperation to change the game every time he's got the ball in his hand is a massive bonus for us this week."

Pakistan's second-Test victory at Multan, their first home win since February 2021, was dominated by spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who claimed all 20 wickets. the 33-year-old acknowledged the spin-friendly pitch conditions but did not raise concerns.

"I've never been a groundsman, but you'd think a rake would assist the spin. We can have a good guess which ends the Pakistan spinners will operate from. There's not too much grass to hold everything together. It will be interesting to see how it goes. It will be a pretty good wicket for the first couple of days, at least," he said.