Brendon McCullum dismissed claims that England's struggles on spinning wickets had been exposed, following Pakistan captain Shan Masood’s request for a turning pitch in the Test series decider in Rawalpindi.
After Pakistan made significant changes ahead of their second Test win in Multan, including the addition of three spinners and reusing the same pitch, their strategy paid off with a 152-run victory. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took 20 wickets between them, helping Pakistan level the series.
Rawalpindi, where England last played two years ago, has traditionally favored seamers, with the pitch not offering much turn since its return to Test cricket in 2019. However, with the decider looming, Masood has asked for a drier surface to suit spinners. When asked if he wanted a spinning wicket, Masood replied that he would, though he admitted that Rawalpindi has not always been conducive to turn. He highlighted the need for Pakistan to be able to take 20 wickets regardless of the conditions.
Masood acknowledged that while he had previously expressed a preference for pitches that assist seamers, the absence of pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in the final two Tests suggested that a green-top pitch would not be prepared. McCullum agreed that the decider’s surface would likely contrast with a seamer-friendly wicket.
McCullum stated that he enjoys the challenge of playing in different conditions around the world, adding that home teams should be able to utilise their familiar surroundings to their advantage. He reiterated that England had expected tough conditions, and while they were outplayed in Multan, they had no complaints. Looking ahead to the third Test, McCullum said that England would adapt to whatever conditions they faced and plan their tactics accordingly.
Masood also mentioned that Pakistan’s challenge is to consistently take 20 wickets at home, but noted that creating spinning wickets everywhere wasn’t a viable solution. Instead, teams need to understand the unique characteristics of each venue.
McCullum, meanwhile, expects Rawalpindi’s pitch to be rougher than when England played there two years ago, hinting that spinner Rehan Ahmed could be in the running for selection if spin plays a major role. He highlighted that England will evaluate the conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly to maximise their chances of securing a series win.
England's 152-run defeat in Multan marked their fifth loss in seven matches on the subcontinent this year, following their 4-1 series loss in India. Given the significant role spinners have played in these matches, McCullum was asked if he thought England had been exposed on turning pitches. McCullum responded that it’s difficult to say, suggesting that had they won the toss and scored more runs, the outcome might have been different. He defended his players' ability to handle spin, citing their strong performances in challenging conditions, including a win in India on an extremely spinning wicket.
McCullum also stood by England’s aggressive batting in the second Test, noting that many wickets fell to those who were too cautious. He argued that the players willing to take risks by sweeping and reverse-sweeping were the ones who made valuable runs in a low-scoring game, which proved to be crucial.
As the final Test approaches, McCullum and England remain confident in their ability to adapt and compete, no matter what conditions await them.