**Carefree England Faces Consequences of Defeats Amidst Batting Concerns** What are the implications of setbacks for England’s Test cricket team? When it comes to the batting lineup, the answer remains ambiguous. Brendon McCullum emphasized the importance of mindset during a recent press conference, even as Pakistan's players celebrated their victory on the field. He stated, “It’s about getting players who feel 10ft tall and bulletproof when they go out to play. It’s not about instructing people on what shots they can and can’t play. That approach has a very short shelf life. These players have the ability to play the game far better than we could ourselves.” However, it’s evident that none of his players felt invincible at that moment. Over the last two matches of the series, they struggled against the spin bowling of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, while Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel excelled with the bat, leaving England’s batting lineup in disarray. As the team reflects on their performance, the lack of competition for places in the batting order raises questions about accountability and the repercussions of failure.

**England Faces Harsh Reality Check After Pakistan Tour: Questions Arise Over Squad Selection and Stokes's Captaincy Ahead of Ashes** As dawn broke in England, the final wicket fell in Pakistan, marking a disappointing end to the tour. Jack Leach was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan after an ill-timed attempt to attack a wide delivery from Noman Ali, who had cleverly bowled it fast and flat, anticipating Leach's advance. At that moment, England held a fragile lead of just 35 runs, and commentator Ramiz Raja, caught up in the excitement, prematurely declared a historic victory for Pakistan. In truth, the match had already slipped away from England when Joe Root was dismissed for 33. The contest concluded shortly after, with Shan Masood sealing the win with a six, leaving England to reflect on a bruising series that raised significant questions about their squad selections and Ben Stokes's leadership as they prepare for the challenging Ashes series ahead.

Rehan Ahmed expressed confidence in England's chances despite a challenging day in Pakistan, stating that the match is "still level." The leg-spinner emphasized the team's positive mindset following a day where Pakistan dominated, leaving England at 24 for three in their second innings and trailing by 53 runs. Pakistan's Saud Shakeel played a crucial role, scoring a meticulous 134 runs over five hours and eight minutes, which included 86 singles and only five boundaries. His efforts helped Pakistan reach a total of 344, giving them a first-innings lead of 77 runs. Although England faced a tough situation with nine overs remaining before stumps, their spirits remained high despite the setbacks.

England is set to travel to Rawalpindi, where Pakistan aims to leverage spin to secure victory in the deciding Test match. The hosts are working to prepare a turning pitch, hoping to replicate the success they found in Multan, where their selection and pitch strategy paid off. Brendon McCullum, England's coach, remarked that the team was in a dire situation while chasing 297 runs on a spinning wicket during the second Test, humorously suggesting that only a superhero could have salvaged the match for them. He acknowledged Pakistan's bold decision to utilize a worn pitch, calling it a "good punt." McCullum expressed his support for home teams to create conditions that favor their play, commending Pakistan's execution. As the series shifts to Rawalpindi for the final Test on Thursday, the conditions are expected to be less conducive to spin. Historically, seam bowlers have dominated the pitch, accounting for 56% of deliveries and 64% of wickets in the last seven Tests played there over the past five years. Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, noted that he has yet to witness a pitch that turns significantly in Rawalpindi. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board's chief curator, Australian Tony Hemming, has been on-site since the beginning of the week, working diligently to create a spin-friendly surface.