FEVER PITCH FOR DECIDER

Stokes believes rakes used to assist spinners

- Rory Dollard

BEN STOKES may have wondered whether Pakistan employed ground staff or gardeners ahead of the decisive third Test at Rawalpindi - after concluding the hosts had been raking the pitch to assist their spinners.

Patio-style heaters, windbreaks and industrial fans have been used in recent days to bake the surface and replicate the turning conditions that helped Pakistan square the series on a reused wicket in Multan last week.

England had their first look at the track yesterday morning and were surprised to find uneven ridges at both ends, positioned on a good length and thought to be the result of extra attention from the team of curators working under Australian Tony Hemming.

Stokes appeared relaxed about Pakistan's use of home advantage, with England attempting to fight fire with fire by recalling Rehan Ahmed as part of a three-pronged spin attack.