Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
The Rawalpindi pitch is in the spotlight ahead of the deciding third Test between Pakistan and England. Photos emerged on social media of industrial-sized fans and heaters being used to dry out the surface in an attempt to get the pitch spinning as early as possible. However, it looks to be a belter of a batting pitch.
Pakistan are aiming to produce another turning pitch after winning the second Test courtesy of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who took all 20 England wickets. By days three and four, the surface was spinning sharply, and England’s approach of all-out attack did not work.
Rawalpindi pitch report: How quickly will the surface take spin?
How soon the surface will take spin is the big question. Rawalpindi is known for being a batting paradise, holding the record for the fewest wickets taken in a completed Test back in 2022. In the same year, England pulled off an incredible win late on day five on another very flat surface.
Also, Pakistan scored 448/6 and Bangladesh ammassed 565 in the first Test of their series in August 2024, but the surface for the second Test had more in it for the seamers.
However, the pitch for the third Test between Pakistan and England is likely to have no help for the quick bowlers. It is dry and extremely barren of grass. Their only hope is for reverse swing, but even that is not enough for England who have opted to go in with three specialist spinners in Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir and legspinner Rehan Ahmed.
The toss could hold significant bearing on the result. Both Shan Masood and Ben Stokes will be hoping the coin lands in their favour. The pitch looks to be a belter for batting upfront and has the potential to wear out by day three given its dry nature, which makes batting last a scenario to avoid.
However, a big score batting second is possible as Rawalpindi often doesn’t wear out too quickly.
England fans online are unimpressed with the pitch preparation, especially after the same Multan surface was used for nine days of cricket across two Tests.
Pakistan are seeking a first series win since beating Sri Lanka away in July 2023. Their last series win at home was their 2-0 triumph against South Africa in January and February 2021.
England are aiming for the second-straight series win in Pakistan after their 3-0 triumph in 2022.
