PAK vs ENG: Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, dismissed suggestions that his team has struggled on spinning pitches. This comes as Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood expressed hopes for a turning wicket in the series decider set to be played at Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s Strategic Overhaul

Between the first and the second Tests, Pakistan changed their approach significantly as they put all their emphasis on their three spinners and also used the same pitch for the two matches. This approach turned fruitful as Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took 20 wickets to seal a comprehensive 152-run victory.

Conditions In Rawalpindi Pitch

Historically, the Rawalpindi surface has been seam-friendly, as seen recently in England’s smooth 657 in their last Test match here two years back. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board is working to get a “drier” surface for the third Test, where Masood is pressing for spin-friendly conditions.

“I would love to see the ball turn in the third Test,” Masood said. “We want to create a good Test wicket where both teams can take 20 wickets.”

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Getting Acclimatized To Conditions

McCullum felt that conditions here are different. “Winning the first Test probably hastened that process, but we have no complaints. We were outplayed in this game,” he said, emphasizing the need for England to adapt to whatever the Rawalpindi pitch offers.

Pakistan’s Long-Term Vision

Masood pointed out the need to develop strategies so that the team takes 20 wickets across various home venues. “You have to know the nature of your ground and soil to be a good Test team,” he explained, underlining that this cannot be achieved through overnight inscriptions.

England’s Spin Strategy And Selection

A little bit more of a rough proposition probably here than what we have experienced in the last week or so,” McCullum said. “I spoke to the coach about Rehan Ahmed, maybe he is in contention for one of those places if they feel the pitch dictates his inclusion.”

Despite all the losses in subcontinental conditions by England this year, McCullum is upbeat, “We have got a pretty good record here in Pakistan.” He feels that his side is geared enough to pose a stiff response to the conditions.

Aggression In Batting

While defending the English aggressive batting in the second Test, McCullum opined that many wickets were lost by batsmen who had been careful. “Those willing to sweep and make their opposition under pressure were able to get runs,” he added, focusing on how aggression played its role in low-scoring matches.

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