England turn to spin for decider

ENGLAND have recalled Rehan Ahmed as part of a three-pronged spin attack for the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan.

- RORY DOLLARD

Ahmed joins slow left-armer Jack Leach and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, with the tourists seemingly prepared for another turning track.

The pitch at Rawalpindi is renowned as a flat batting paradise but Pakistan have left it baking in the sun over the last three days and employed the same industrial fans they used to dry out the surface ahead of the second Test.

Over the weekend, patiostyle heaters and windbreaks were also utilised to speed the process.

England's decision to add Ahmed to their bowling options suggests they believe spin will be the decisive factor, with Gus Atkinson returning as the sole specialist seamer backed up by captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes.