England pick third spinner for final Test against Pakistan

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Oct 22 (AP): A dry pitch prepared with the help of industrial-sized fans and outdoor heaters has lured England to go with a three-pronged spin attack including Rehan Ahmed against Pakistan for the series-deciding third test starting on Thursday.

Ahmed hasn't played in any international format since February. Gus Atkinson was the only specialist pacer. They replaced Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse, who made an impressive test debut in the series and picked up nine wickets in the two Multan matches.

Left-armer Jack Leach and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir are the other England spinners.

Ahmed was 18 when he debuted in Pakistan two years ago and took a five-wicket haul in Karachi.

The groundstaff at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have been using giant-sized, hot-air fans for the last three days to dry out the 22-yard strip. They also used outdoor patio heaters behind the fans to hasten the process.