Pakistan playing XI for 3rd Test against England announced

On Wednesday, October 23, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the playing XI of the side for the upcoming third and final Test match of the series against the England National Cricket Team.

The third Test between the Shan Masood-led side and the Three Lions is scheduled to be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Thursday, October 24.

Pakistan Playing XI For 3rd Test Match Announced By The PCB

The PCB selection committee has decided to field an unchanged playing XI for the third match following a great win in the second Test. Saim Ayub will continue to open with Abdullah Shafique despite the underwhelming performances of the duo.

Captain Shan Masood, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha make a strong middle order, which also consists of the star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan.

Aamer Jamal will continue as the sole pace-bowling option for his team, while Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood are three spinners.

"The men’s national selection committee has confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test against England, starting in Rawalpindi on Thursday, 24 October," PCB wrote on X while making the announcement."

PAK PLAYING XI FOR 3rd TEST AGAINST ENGLAND:

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood

The men’s national selection committee has confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test against England, starting in Rawalpindi on Thursday, 24 October.#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/bkXGNhXYBu

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2024

Pakistan vs England Test Series Levelled At 1-1

England National Cricket Team had started their tour on a high, registering a stunning win in Multan. They won the match by an innings and 47 runs to send shockwaves across the Pakistan cricket fraternity.

The defeat was an embarrassing one for Shan Masood & Co. as batting first; they had posted a huge total of 556 runs on the board. England, in response, came up with an even better batting show and made full use of the batting-friendly conditions.

Harry Brook (317) smashed a sensational triple ton while Joe Root (262) blasted an amazing double ton as the visitors decided to declare for 823/7. In the next innings, Pakistan delivered an awful batting performance and got bundled out for 220 runs.

After the defeat, changes were made to the PCB selection committee and Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and Azhar Ali were brought in as the new members.

The philosophy of Aaqib Javed was followed as Pakistan made a spin-friendly track in the next match in Multan and fielded three spinners. This strategy eventually worked for the home side as Sajid Khan and Noman Ali destroyed the English batting unit.

In England's first innings, Sajid picked 7 wickets, and Noman got three wickets, while in the second innings, Noman Ali bagged 8 wickets, and Sajid Khan picked two wickets. The Men In Green won that match by 152 runs and leveled the series 1-1.