England captain Alastair Cook may opt to change tactics from the team's last visit to Dubai and go with three spinners for the second Test against Pakistan. The last time England played a Test match in Dubai in 2012, its seamers wrecked the Pakistan first innings and bowled it out for 99. But even without having a first look at the wicket, Cook appeared sure it would assist the spinners more this time. The first Test was drawn in Abu Dhabi last week after England's run chase was halted because of poor light on the final day. "I think it will turn more here and a little bit quicker than Abu Dhabi. The last time we were here, there was something for the seamers early on," Cook said. "We are prepared to play three spinners if the wicket is a really dry one. I have said it before that with this squad, we have the option of doing that and it doesn't affect the balance of the side so much. All three spinners bat very well as well." Pakistan is also set to welcome back Yasir Shah, a leg-spinner who has never played against England in the longest format of the game. Yasir was ruled out with a back injury for the first Test in Abu Dhabi last week. Pakistan has also included off-spinner Bilal Asif in the squad after he underwent a test of his bowling action in Chennai. Asif was reported for suspect action during the limited-over tour of Zimbabwe just before the England series. "Bilal's action is not an issue for us. If it was, we would not have selected him in the squad," Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq. "If he is here, it means we are confident of him playing the Test. We will have a think of the combination we want to use, and if he fits in, he will play the Test." There were a couple of selection issues for both the teams. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was reportedly recovering from a viral fever after the Abu Dhabi Test, but took part in the nets session Wednesday. "Ben did not look too good yesterday apparently, but he is here for training. He should be fine, but we will see," Cook said. "You've got to be careful in these conditions. Five days in this heat, you need to be 100 percent before you start. We will play it by the ear and make a decision Thursday morning." Pakistan will miss the services of dependable Azhar Ali at No. 3 for the second straight Test. Azhar has recovered from his toe injury, but had to return to Pakistan after his mother-in-law passed away Monday.
