Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have both been reinstated in England's One‑Day International squad after recuperating from injuries, while pace spearhead Jofra Archer will sit out the upcoming tri‑series that pits England against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 16‑man squad for the Pakistan leg of the series includes three players who have never previously worn an England shirt at senior level.
The team, captained by Harry Brook, will face each opponent twice, offering a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent. Among the newcomers is spinner Mason Crane, who makes a return to international cricket eight years after his last appearance – that came in the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series. Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe have also earned places in the squad and could debut in ODIs, having been part of England's white‑ball contingents earlier in the summer.
Their inclusion underscores the selectors' willingness to reward consistent domestic performances with opportunities on the world stage. Rashid, who featured in England's victorious home T20 series against Sri Lanka in September, missed the subsequent ODIs due to a hand injury. His recovery has now been confirmed, allowing him to add his left‑arm orthodox spin to the lineup once more.
Rashid’s ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset in the limited‑overs format. Sam Curran, another key all‑rounder, had been on the verge of earning his first Test cap since 2021 before a groin operation in August halted his summer.
The surgery has now healed, and he is deemed fit enough to travel to Pakistan and contribute with both bat and ball. Curran’s versatility – offering seam bowling, spin options, and lower‑order hitting – gives England additional flexibility in the tri‑series. Jofra Archer, who has been a workhorse for England across formats and in The Hundred this summer, will be rested as part of a workload‑management plan devised by national selector Marcus North. With demanding tours of Australia and South Africa looming in the winter, the decision aims to preserve Archer’s pace and longevity for the crucial fixtures ahead, including the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
England also have to cope without veteran wicket‑keeper‑batsman Jos Buttler, who suffered a hamstring strain during the Sri Lanka series and has been ruled out of the Pakistan tour. His absence leaves a gap in the top order and behind the stumps, prompting the coaching staff to look for alternatives among the squad’s younger players. North explained the rationale behind the selections, stating, "The tri‑series in Pakistan offers a valuable chance for our ODI group to test themselves against high‑quality opposition in varied conditions. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return after their respective injuries, while Jofra Archer is being rested to manage his workload after a busy summer." He also highlighted Mason Crane's domestic form, noting, "Crane has been delivering consistently for Glamorgan in both red‑ball and white‑ball cricket this season.
He is a seasoned, high‑class leg‑spinner who fully merits another shot at the international level." The coaching structure for the tour reflects England's ongoing rotation policy. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who was relieved of his Test duties earlier in the year, now leads a re‑shuffled white‑ball coaching team that does not include former England star Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen, appointed last month as a specialist mentor for limited‑overs sides, began his role during the Sri Lanka series but will step back for this Pakistan tour, returning to his duties when England travels to Australia in November. McCullum will be supported by a cadre of specialists: former New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel, batting coach Mike Yardy, fast‑bowling consultant David Saker, and fielding expert Carl Hopkinson. This collaborative approach is designed to address the myriad challenges of a congested international calendar as England builds towards the next 50‑over World Cup.
The squad list features a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging prospects: - 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) - Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire) The itinerary for the 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 These fixtures will test England's depth and adaptability, especially with key players rotating in and out of the side. The combination of returning veterans, fresh faces, and strategic rest periods aims to keep the squad fresh, competitive, and ready for the challenges that lie ahead on the road to the upcoming World Cup.