Pakistan is reportedly ready to break the successful partnership of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood by dropping one of the spinners for the deciding test match against England.
Despite the Rawalpindi surface shaping up to be another turner, Pakistan will instead opt for another fast bowling option, breaking from the tradition that helped them even the series against England at Multan.
According to reports, Zahid Mahmood will make way for Mohammad Ali in the playing XI. Mir Hamza was originally supposed to replace Zahid but suffered an injury just a day out from the game paving the way for Ali to waltz into the team.
Zahid failed to make a significant impact in the second test despite the surface offering assistance to spinners. He bowled only 6 unsuccessful overs in the first innings conceding 27 runs and was not called upon by Shaan Masood in the second as his counterparts Sajid and Noman led their side to a dominant win.
It marks another low for the 36-year-old who has failed to break out in international cricket despite oodles of cricketing talent.
Meanwhile, England has taken the blueprint from Pakistan’s win adding a third specialist spinner for the final test as they look to seal another series win in Pakistan.
The Green Shirts are expected to announce their playing XI tomorrow on the eve of the final game.