England hand Rehan Ahmed another chance as tourists make changes for series decider in Pakistan

England have called up Rehan Ahmed to join their spin arsenal alongside Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir for the crucial third Test against Pakistan, indicating their readiness for a spinner-friendly pitch. Rawalpindi's surface, typically a haven for batsmen, has been left under the sun by Pakistan’s groundstaff, who continue to use industrial fans - a tactic seen in the previous match - to prepare the pitch.

Additional measures like patio heaters and windbreaks have also been seen over the weekend, accelerating the drying process. The inclusion of Ahmed points to England's strategy that spin could play a vital role in this Test, with Gus Atkinson being the only specialist pacer, supported by skipper Ben Stokes. Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts have been omitted from the playing XI.

England's Harry Brook did not miss the chance to comment on the pitch preparations, noting the peculiar methods employed: "They’ve had the rakes out, the fans and the heaters on the pitch," he said, suggesting England anticipate the wicket will favour the first days of play before beginning to spin towards the end. "I’d say it will be a good pitch for the first day, two days maybe, then it will start spinning. God knows, to be honest. Everyone goes to look at the wicket and everyone says something different.

"Their spinners are obviously going to play a massive part this week. I’ve spoken to a few lads about game-plans and how we’ll go about it. Hopefully that pays off and I can play a big part in the game too."

The match is a significant chance for Ahmed, who made history as England's youngest ever men’s Test player during the same fixture in 2022, stepping onto the pitch in Karachi at just 18 years and 126 days old.

He celebrated his debut with a five-wicket haul and has since earned three more caps on the tour to India earlier this year. Despite not having played outside the sub-continent - where England won't compete again until early 2026 - Ahmed enters the match with an impressive tally of 18 wickets from four games and fond recollections of his initial performance in Karachi.

"He’s an outstanding cricketer – not just his bowling, but his batting and fielding," Brook said of the 20 year old. "He’s a young lad so he has a lot of time to come. He got five-for in his last Test here, so hopefully he can do that again."