England, led by Ben Stokes, opted to bat first against Pakistan in the decisive third Test in Rawalpindi. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams geared up with a single pace bowler on a pitch expected to favor spinners.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan in the deciding third and final test in Rawalpindi on Thursday. With the series level at 1-1, both teams went into the match with a lone seamer in what is expected to be a spin-friendly pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

England captain Ben Stokes believes the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan starting Thursday will boil down to a spin battle on a Rawalpindi pitch likely to favour slow bowlers.