England Playing 11 vs Pakistan: Visitors Include Additional Spinner Among Two Changes For Rawalpindi Test

England has named an addition spinner in their playing 11 for the third and final Test against Pakistan, scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from Thursday (October 24).

After visuals of Pakistan's attempt to dry the Rawalpindi pitch using giant fans and heaters like in Multan, England has added Rehan Ahmed to strengthen their spin attack on what could turn out to be a spin-friendly track in Rawalpindi.

England Playing 11 vs Pakistan for 3rd Test in Rawalpindi

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed will be the third specialist tweaker in the England line up, joining the likes of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and left-arm spinner Jack Leach. The trio will a lot of variety, and can also be assisted by Joe Root with his off-spinners if required.

The 20-year-old Rehan, who made his Test debut two years ago in Pakistan, returns to England Test line-up for the first time since the Test match against India in Rajkot back in February.

Rehan is one of England's two changes as the visitors look to freshen up their bowling attack. In the playing 11 announced by England two days before the Test, Rehan and pacer Gus Atkinson were named as Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts made way for the duo.

Atkison, who featured in the series-opening win in Multan, had made way for Potts in the second Test, while Carse, who made his debut in the first Test of this tour, played in the first two matches.

The rest of the side led by Ben Stokes holds a familiar look with Ollie Pope continuing to serve as the deputy and all set to retain the number three spot despite failing to score big in the three innings so far on tour.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the batting with Pope coming at number three as in-form duo of Joe Root and Harry Brook expected to complete the top five. Skipper Stokes will come in at five, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith retains his number six spot.

Atkinson and the trio of spinners - Rehan, Bashir and Leach will make up the line-up for the series decider as England look to bounce back from the 152-run loss, having won the series opener by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test. Here is a look at the England XI: