Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have both been reinstated in England's One‑Day International squad after completing their recoveries from injury, while fast‑bowling ace Jofra Archer will sit out the three‑team series that pits England against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 16‑man roster for the Pakistan leg of the competition features three players who have never before worn an England shirt at senior level. Among the returning veterans is spinner Mason Crane, who makes a comeback eight years after his last appearance for the national side – that was in the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series. Crane has been a consistent performer for Glamorgan in both the County Championship and the limited‑overs formats, and his inclusion signals that the selectors are keen to give a proven leg‑spinner a second chance on the international stage.
Two other uncapped names, Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe, have also earned places in the squad. Both have been part of England's white‑ball programmes earlier in the summer, and the tour could provide the platform for their ODI debuts. Rashid, who helped England secure a series win over Sri Lanka in a home T20 series in September, missed the subsequent ODIs because of a hand injury that required a brief lay‑off.
His return adds a valuable left‑arm spin option to a side that has often relied heavily on pace. Rashid's ability to turn the ball away from right‑handed batsmen and to bowl economical spells in the middle overs makes him a strategic asset, especially on the slower, turning pitches that are expected in parts of Pakistan. Sam Curran’s journey back to the squad has been equally eventful. The all‑rounder was on the cusp of a Test debut – a milestone he had been chasing since 2021 – before a groin operation in August forced him out for the remainder of the season.
After a carefully managed rehabilitation programme, he is now deemed fit enough to travel to Pakistan and contribute with both bat and ball. Curran’s versatility, offering seam bowling at a brisk pace and the ability to hit the ball hard in the lower order, gives England additional balance in the limited‑overs format. In contrast, Jofra Archer will not be part of the traveling party. After a demanding summer that saw him feature across all formats for England as well as in The Hundred, the national selector Marcus North has elected to give the West Indian‑born pacer a break.
With the Australian and South African tours looming in the winter, managing Archer’s workload is a priority to preserve his speed and reduce the risk of injury. Resting Archer also opens a slot for other fast bowlers to gain experience in sub‑continental conditions.
England also have to cope with the absence of former captain Jos Buttler, who suffered a hamstring strain in the final T20 against Sri Lanka and has been ruled out of the tour. Buttler’s dynamic batting and wicket‑keeping prowess will be missed, but the team will look to other senior players to fill the void.
Marcus North explained the rationale behind the selections: "The tri‑series in Pakistan offers a valuable chance for our ODI group to test themselves against high‑quality opposition in diverse conditions. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran are back after their injuries, while Jofra Archer is being rested to manage his workload after a busy summer. Mason Crane has performed consistently for Glamorgan and deserves another look at the international level." The coaching set‑up for the tour reflects England’s broader strategy of rotation and workload management.
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who was appointed as white‑ball mentor last month, is overseeing a re‑structured coaching staff that does not include Kevin Pietersen for this particular assignment. Pietersen, who has been acting as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball sides, will return to his duties when England head to Australia in November. McCullum will be assisted by a team that includes former England spinner Jeetan Patel, batting coach Mike Yardy, fast‑bowling consultant David Saker and fielding specialist Carl Hopkinson.
This group is expected to continue evolving as England navigate a congested calendar that leads up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, ensuring that players receive tailored guidance and that the squad remains fresh. The squad list, as announced, comprises: Harry Brook (Yorkshire – captain), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), James Coles (Sussex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Mason Crane (Glamorgan), Henry Crocombe (Sussex), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire) and Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire).
The itinerary for the tri‑series is as follows: - 18 October: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 20 October: Pakistan vs England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 22 October: Sri Lanka vs England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 25 October: Pakistan vs England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 27 October: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 29 October: Sri Lanka vs England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 31 October: Tri‑Series Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore The series will give England a chance to fine‑tune their strategies, assess the form of returning players, and experiment with new combinations ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The inclusion of fresh faces alongside experienced campaigners aims to build depth and resilience, ensuring that the team can adapt to the varied pitches and climates they will encounter in the global tournament.