"They are trying to bake it", Michael Atherton on Rawalpindi pitch conditions ahead of third Test against Pakistan

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has shared insights on the pitch conditions for the upcoming third and final Test match against Pakistan, set to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 24 to 28.

Speaking during a discussion with former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, Atherton provided an in-depth analysis of the preparations underway.

“I was there this morning, and with just two days to go, fans were already on the pitch. It's currently uncovered, allowing the heat to penetrate the surface,” Atherton noted. “I believe it will be a very good pitch for the first couple of days. Clearly, they are trying to bake it to encourage spin; that much is obvious. However, Pindi has a reputation for being one of the flattest pitches around. This pitch is not used, so they cannot replicate the conditions we saw in Multan, where the game effectively started on the sixth day.”

Atherton continued, “While I expect the pitch to start spinning at some point, I think it will be quite good for batting during the first half of the match. This could signal a return to the more traditional style of cricket here, where the game progresses normally for two or three days before the conditions begin to change.”

As preparations for the series decider ramp up, the ground staff at Pindi Cricket Stadium are working diligently to ensure the pitch is in optimal condition. To maintain a dry surface, pedestal fans and heaters—similar to those utilized during the second Test in Multan—have been strategically placed around the pitch. These measures were instrumental in Pakistan’s success in Multan, where spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali played pivotal roles in the home team’s victory.

It is worth noting that the three-match series between Pakistan and England is currently tied at 1-1. The Three Lions have recently announced their playing XI for the series decider, while Pakistan is set to announce their lineup today.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.