England has brought back leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed as one of three key spinners for the series-deciding Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The 20-year-old replaces Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse, joining Gus Atkinson in the lineup.
Ahmed will work alongside fellow spinners Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach in a spin-heavy attack, with Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes handling the pace duties. England's decision to field three frontline spinners is fueled by speculation about the pitch conditions for Thursday's Test, as the team had previously adopted a similar strategy during their tour of India earlier this year.
England batter Harry Brook told BBC Sport that the team anticipated minimal swing and seam action in the early part of the match. He added that they selected the best squad based on the pitch conditions they were observing.
Ahmed made his Test debut in Pakistan two years ago at just 18, becoming England’s youngest Test cricketer. His standout performance in that series included a 5-48 in the Karachi Test, making him the third-youngest player ever to claim five wickets on a Test debut. Ahmed has earned four caps to date, with his most recent appearance against India in Rajkot in February.
Brook praised Ahmed’s overall talent, highlighting not only his bowling but also his contributions with the bat and in the field. Brook expressed optimism that Ahmed might replicate his impressive performance from the previous Test in Pakistan.
After Pakistan leveled the series 1-1 on a reused Multan pitch, where spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took all 20 wickets, England began preparations for the Rawalpindi Test. Large fans, used during the Multan match, were spotted at either end of the Rawalpindi pitch, though they were not operational during Tuesday's training.
Over the weekend, images surfaced on social media showing patio heaters and windbreaks around the pitch in an effort to dry it out, but only the industrial fans remained by Monday. Brook described the preparation methods as "unique" and suggested that while the pitch might play well for the first day or two, it would likely begin spinning as the match progresses.
Noman’s 11 wickets and Sajid’s nine in the second Test marked the first time since 1972 that two bowlers shared all 20 wickets in a match. Reflecting on the second Test, Brook acknowledged Sajid Khan’s strategy to dismiss him by attacking with the back foot. However, he affirmed his intent to continue playing spin off the back foot, stating it allows him more time to handle the turning ball and apply pressure on the bowlers.
England, looking for their second consecutive series win in Pakistan after their 3-0 victory two years ago, is eager to perform well in this final Test. Their victory on the Rawalpindi ground during the previous series, which came in the dying moments of the final session, is remembered as one of England’s greatest overseas triumphs.
For Brook, who scored his maiden Test century in Rawalpindi, the upcoming match feels like a final. He recalled the previous win as a significant moment in his career and is hopeful for another strong performance that could secure the series for England.