‘We’ll try to give spinners an advantage once more’- Saud Shakeel on Rawalpindi pitch

Pakistan set up a spin-friendly surface for the second Test match after losing to England in Multan in the first match, which greatly benefited them as the home team triumphed by 152 runs. Shan Masood captaincy was also at stake, as Pakistan was under extreme pressure to win the first Test match against England and the series against Bangladesh.

Pakistan will attempt the similar strategy in the third Test in Rawalpindi since playing on a slow surface proved effective. The Masood-led team is now aiming to win the third Test and complete the series, therefore they are constructing a dry surface that will benefit the spinners. Prior to that, vice captain Saud Shakeel emphasised the value of utilising the home field and mentioned that the victory in the previous match greatly raised everyone’s spirits.

“We ought to examine pitches for both series and matches. And it has taken us a while to realise this. Practice and first-class cricket are good ways to be ready for the SENA [series in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia]. We could prepare such surfaces if there was first-class cricket prior to South Africa. However, Shakeel was cited as adding, “We should prepare pitches and conditions series-by-series, and according to the opposition.”

Our morale was greatly raised by our comeback in the second game. A victory always goes a long way towards fostering a pleasant environment. They had trouble with that in the second Test, so we’ll attempt to give spinners an advantage again,” he continued.

We might use three spinners once more if the pitch is spinning: Saud Shakeel

After considering the situation, England’s playing XI for the third Test includes three spinners. Shakeel disclosed that although the team management has not yet finalised the roster, they will once more use three spinners if the surface appears to be spin-friendly.

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Since we haven’t talked about this, I am unable to tell at this time. We might use three spinners once more if the pitch is spinning,” Shakeel stated.