Ganesh Kendale
Ben Stokes has already suffered one defeat in Rawalpindi.
Mano a mano with England coach Brendon McCullum, the captain was schooled in a six-hitting competition, just as he was before the last Test in Pakistan two years ago.
Stokes was left calling for a stewards’ inquiry into the throwing of Paul Collingwood, which did appear to be pretty questionable.
The surprise overall winner was Rehan Ahmed, who beat Harry Brook in the final (special mentions go to mighty wallops from Joe Root and Jamie Smith).
It was the continuation of a good week for Ahmed, recalled as a third spinner on a pitch attracting the most attention since England last played a Test.
For Pakistan, it was spin to win the second Test in Multan, and they have looked to repeat the trick for the decider, starting on Thursday.
The industrial fans, heaters and windbreaks used to dry the surface suggest someone has maxed out a credit card in a hardware store.
Most intriguing are the lines scored down the length of the strip, possibly by a rake or even a bed of nails. The pitch remains hard, and a knock could do damage to the knuckles.
The consensus seems to be it will be good for batting for the first part of the game, making the toss marginally less important than the second Test. Good news for England, considering they have lost seven in a row.
“Initially, I think it will be a good pitch, but the longer it goes, the more spin will come into play,” Stokes told BBC Sport.
“Fair play to them for using their home advantage. They have come off the back of a good win and have spinners full of confidence, so they will be looking to give them more assistance here. That could bring us into the game as well.”
