Shaheen Afridi's Long-Term Potential Replacement Likely To Be Out Of PAK Vs ENG 3rd Test

Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza [Source: @SaqibSM714/X.Com]

Ahead of the third Test Vs England at the Rawalpindi Stadium, the host team, Pakistan have suffered a massive blow with key pacer, Mir Hamza, getting injured and is unlikely to participate in the series decider which begins from October 24.

There were reports that Hamza could replace Aamir Jamal in the playing XI for the Rawalpindi Test, but now the left-arm pacer faces race against time to get match-fit for the crucial match against the English side.

Hamza, touted as Shaheen Afridi's successor in Tests was absent from Pakistan's training session on Tuesday, and instead, he focused on rehabilitation instead of focusing on bowling. Hamza was under the observation of team physio, Cliffe Deacon, as the pacer worked on glute strengthening exercises using the resistance band.

As per reports by Cricket Pakistan, Mir Hamza also missed out on the training session on Monday, which suggested that he could be ruled out of the third Test, however, a final call will be taken on Wednesday, a day before the Test begins.

If Hamza doesn't recover on time, Pakistan will stay with Aamir Jamal and will trust the pacer to deliver the goods.

Pakistan dish out spin surface to counter England batters

The formula of preparing spin-surface worked against England in the second Test, and seeing its success, Pakistah have once again prepared a rank turner to counter the aggressive English batters.

The curator has used giant heaters to dry out the surface so that it starts to spin from Day 1. The home side laid out a flat deck in the first Test and paid the price for it as England hammered 823 runs, with Harry Brook scoring a triple century.

Pakistan went back to basics and prepared a spin track which worked wonders in the second game, which the hosts won by 152 runs.

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