[Watch] Rawalpindi groundstaff utilize heaters and commercial fans to produce turning pitch for 3rd PAK vs ENG Test 2024

Pakistan's attempt to produce a turning wicket for the third Test against England in Rawalpindi went to the next level as the groundstaff utilized big heaters, windbreakers, and commercial fans to dry the playing surface. The hosts enjoyed incredible success on a turning track in the second Test in Multan, winning by 152 runs to level the three-match series.

The game saw two spinners - Noman Ali and Sajid Khan pick up all 20 wickets, making it the first time since 1972 such a feat had been achieved. The result has likely forced Pakistan's management to potentially employ a similar spinning pitch for the decider.

This was after Pakistan suffered their sixth consecutive Test defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the opening Test.

With the game only four days away, the groundstaff looked to ensure they did their bit to offer a turner as seen in the below video:

Shan Masood's men also lost both their Tests in the Bangladesh series before the ongoing England affair in Rawalpindi. The victory in the second Test against England was Pakistan's first at home since defeating South Africa in February 2021.

Rawalpindi has historically struggled to produce turning tracks with spinners averaging almost 50 since 2019.

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"I don’t know if I’ve seen it turn in Rawalpindi, that’s another issue" - Shan Masood

Pakistan captain Shan Masood wished for a dry and turning wicket for the series decider against England but remained skeptical about such a track in Rawalpindi.

Despite England's revival in Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum since mid-2022, they have come unstuck on spinning pitches. Following a win in the opening Test, they lost four consecutive outings against India in India earlier this year.

At the press conference after Pakistan's second Test win over England, Masood said as quoted by Sportstar:

"I don’t know if I’ve seen it turned in Rawalpindi, that’s another issue. We’ll have a look, the groundsmen are already there, they’re working on a Test match pitch and we’ll try to create a good Test wicket where both teams can pick up 20 wickets. I don’t think there’s an autumn in Pakistan. There’s a summer that runs transition into winter, so we’re still hoping that the sun can play its part and the wicket (for the third Test) can be on the drier side."

It remains to be seen how the Rawalpindi track plays for the series decider, starting Thursday, October 24.