Pakistan and England are up against each other in the 3rd test of the 3-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan finally won the toss and non-surprisingly opted to bat first. Both teams have made some changes in their playing 11, where James Anderson is not playing the match.
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This is an important game for Pakistan as they won’t wanna face a whitewash at their home. After losing the test series against Australia earlier this year, this is yet another home series defeat for them. This is Azhar Ali’s last international game, and he would want to make it count.
England have made a couple of changes to their playing 11 where James Anderson and Will Jacks have been replaced by Rehan Ahmed and Ben Foakes. Foakes is set to take the wicket-keeping gloves in this match in place of Ollie Pope. They will aim for a whitewash here.
Why is James Anderson not playing today’s 3rd Test
England have rested their ace pacer James Anderson for the final match of the series. The 40-year-old pacer has been excellent in the series so far, where he has scalped 8 wickets in two tests at an average of 18.50. Anderson has been able to reverse the ball and has taken some crucial wickets.
There are no injury concerns for the veteran pacer, and he has been rested as the series is already sealed by the English side. Anderson also said that he understands the decision for him to be rested the New Zealand test series will start soon, and he will be leading the bowling attack of the side on that tour as well.
“It’s only four or five weeks before we go to New Zealand. It’s not a huge amount of time,” James Anderson said.
“I feel proud of the work I’ve put in over here: forty overs [46] in the first Test, 22 I think on the last day of the game.”
The 18-year-old all-rounder Rehan Ahmed will be making his test debut, which makes him the youngest test player to play for England. Looking at the conditions in Karachi, the leg-spinner can be a vital addition to the squad. Rehan is a Pakistan-origin player and has represented England in the U-19 World Cup as well.
