Pakistan is preparing a spin-friendly pitch for the Test series decider against England at Rawalpindi. After success in Multan, Pakistan employs fans and heaters to dry out the surface, hoping spinners will dominate again.
Pakistan’s Preparation for a Spinning Pitch
Pakistan is making a determined effort to prepare a spin-friendly pitch for the third and final Test against England in Rawalpindi.
Following their impressive win in Multan, where spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took all 20 England wickets, Pakistan’s ground staff are using industrial-sized fans, outdoor heaters, and windbreakers to dry out the surface.
This move is intended to create a pitch that offers significant assistance to spin bowlers, despite Rawalpindi’s reputation for being a batting-friendly venue with little turn.
Historically, Rawalpindi has been one of the flattest pitches in Test cricket, with spinners averaging nearly 50 runs per wicket.
However, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood has clearly expressed his desire for a turning track, hoping to exploit England’s weaknesses against spin bowling. The heaters and fans were set up on Sunday, and ground staff are working hard to dry out the surface ahead of the match, which begins on Thursday.
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Challenges for England
England, led by head coach Brendon McCullum, are aware of the pitch’s changing nature.
While Jack Leach, the leading wicket-taker in the series, expressed uncertainty about the pitch, the team is preparing for spin-heavy conditions.
England struggled against spin in Multan, where reverse swing and dry conditions gave Pakistan the edge.
However, the lush outfield and grassy square in Rawalpindi may make reverse swing difficult for England’s seamers.
The team is scheduled to inspect the surface on Tuesday to finalise their strategy for the decider.
England’s approach will likely focus on adapting quickly to the conditions. Their ability to handle spin and make adjustments could be the key to levelling the series, but with the pitch potentially offering significant turn, Pakistan holds the upper hand.
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