Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have both been welcomed back into England's One‑Day International squad after successful recoveries from injuries, while fast bowler Jofra Archer will sit out the upcoming tri‑series that pits England against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 16‑man roster for the Pakistan leg of the competition includes three players who have never before represented the senior side, underscoring the selectors' willingness to blend fresh talent with experienced campaigners. The squad, announced ahead of the series, sees Harry Brook captaining a side that will meet each opponent twice on Pakistani soil. Among the newcomers is left‑arm spinner Mason Crane, who makes a return to international cricket eight years after his last appearance in the final Test of England's 2017/18 Ashes tour.
Crane has been a consistent performer for Glamorgan in both the County Championship and the limited‑overs formats, and his inclusion signals a desire to add variety to the spin department. Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe have also been named, giving them a realistic chance to earn ODI debuts. Both players featured in England's white‑ball squads earlier in the summer and have impressed in the domestic circuit, making them logical choices as England looks to deepen its bench for the demanding schedule ahead. Rashid, who helped England secure a series win over Sri Lanka in a home T20 contest in September, missed the subsequent ODIs because of a hand injury sustained during that series.
His recovery has been swift, and the Yorkshire spinner is now back in contention, offering his economical left‑arm orthodox spin and a knack for breaking partnerships. Sam Curran's journey back to the squad has been more arduous.
The Surrey all‑rounder was on the cusp of a Test debut – a milestone he had been chasing since 2021 – before a groin operation forced him out of action in August. Following a carefully managed rehabilitation program, Curran has shown sufficient fitness to be included for the Pakistan tour, providing England with a versatile option who can contribute with both bat and ball. Jofra Archer, meanwhile, will be rested for the tri‑series. After a summer that saw him feature across all three formats for England and also participate in The Hundred, the national selector Marcus North opted to give the West Indian‑born pacer a break ahead of a packed winter itinerary that includes tours of Australia and South Africa.
Managing Archer's workload is seen as essential to preserving his pace and preventing injury recurrence. England also have to cope without Jos Buttler, who was ruled out after sustaining a hamstring strain while playing against Sri Lanka last month. The former captain's absence leaves a gap in the middle order and behind the stumps, but the side has several capable alternatives to fill the void. Speaking about the selections, North said: "The tri‑series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions.
Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return to the squad following their respective injuries while Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer. Mason Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer.
He's an experienced, high‑class leg‑spinner who thoroughly deserves another opportunity at international level." The coaching set‑up for the tour reflects England's broader strategy of rotation and specialization. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who was relieved of his Test duties earlier in the summer, now oversees a rotating staff that does not currently include Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen, a former England star, was appointed last month as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball sides and began his role during the two‑match series against Sri Lanka. He will step back for this tour and return to his mentoring duties when England travels to Australia in November. McCullum will be assisted by a team that includes former England spinner Jeetan Patel, former England batsman‑coach Mike Yardy, fast‑bowling consultant David Saker and fielding specialist Carl Hopkinson. The rotating nature of the coaching personnel is intended to keep ideas fresh and to manage the intense schedule that England faces as it builds toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The playing XI for the series is expected to feature a blend of seasoned campaigners and newcomers. Alongside the returning Rashid and Curran, the squad lists Harry Brook (Yorkshire) as captain, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), James Coles (Sussex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Mason Crane (Glamorgan), Henry Crocombe (Sussex), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire) and Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire). This mix provides depth in both batting and bowling, with several players capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
The itinerary for the tri‑series is packed: the opening match sees Pakistan take on Sri Lanka on 18 October at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by England's first encounter with Pakistan on 20 October at the same venue. England will then face Sri Lanka on 22 October, again in Rawalpindi.
The series moves to Lahore for the remaining fixtures, with England playing Pakistan on 25 October at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan versus Sri Lanka on 27 October, and Sri Lanka versus England on 29 October. The tournament culminates with the final on 31 October at Gaddafi Stadium, where the two best‑performing sides will contest the title. Overall, the selections and scheduling reflect England's aim to balance immediate competitive needs with long‑term player welfare.
By reintegrating Rashid and Curran, giving Archer a strategic rest, and providing opportunities for emerging talent like Crane, Coles and Crocombe, the England and Wales Cricket Board hopes to field a resilient unit capable of adapting to varied conditions and sustaining performance through a congested international calendar.