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After a nail biting finish in their second test match at Dubai, Pakistan is all set to take on England for a third time in Sharjah. The two teams have been engaged in a three test match series across the UAE, from October 13 onwards, and the third match at Sharjah will be England's only chance to draw level.
Pakistan's charge in the second test was led by the veteran players, Misbah Ul Haq and Younis Khan. The seasoned duo picked up a century each in the match, ensuring that Pakistan had enough runs on the board. The range of talents on display kept the audiences on the edge of their seats.
With a vote of confidence from the legendary spin wizard Shane Warne, Yasir Shah showed no signs of the back injury which had kept him out of the game in the first test. With 8 wickets in the second test match, Yasir is now ranked at Number 2 in the ICC rankings. Fresh from a bowling session with his childhood hero Shane Warne, Yasir will be raring to have a go at the English side on a spin-friendly Sharjah pitch.
Pakistan skipper Misbah Ul Haq said, Azhar will be back on the team, he is our main player and he is very valuable, especially with test cricket. He will be back. We will think positively and do the best on our part, make the best efforts and play well, and hope to win. Our confidence level is high, and we will work hard. This is an important match for us.
On the other hand, England's performance on the tour has been far better than what they had put up on their tour of the Emirates back in 2012. Three years ago, the English batsmen capitulated in front of Pakistan's spin attack. Dogged performances in the first two matches will give the English side a lot of confidence going into the third test match.
Even as the matches themselves hold a lot of promise of entertainment and great sportsmanship, the game is upped a whole new level given that Pakistan has never lost a test series in the UAE so far. With both teams being neck-to-neck in their test match rankings - what with Pakistan being ranked 4 and England being ranked at 3, this sure looks like a fight to the finish.
Speaking about the last match, Alastair Cook, captain of the England Cricket Team, said, It's a pity we lost, we had a pretty good bowling side. We're considering a third spin, given that the coming match will be on a spin-friendly turf. We're going to play some good cricket. We are going to continue playing well. We're going to come back stronger, with better play.
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