Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have both been reinstated in England's One-Day International squad after recovering from separate injuries, while pace spearhead Jofra Archer will sit out the upcoming tri‑series that pits England against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 16‑man roster for the Pakistan leg of the competition, which will see Harry Brook's side meet each opponent twice in a round‑robin format before a final showdown.
Among the selected players are three newcomers who have yet to earn an ODI cap. Spinner Mason Crane, who last appeared for England in the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series, is back in the mix after an eight‑year hiatus, having impressed with consistent performances for Glamorgan in both red and white‑ball cricket this summer. Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe have also been named, and both are in line for possible debut honours after featuring in England's limited‑overs squads earlier in the season.
Rashid, a seasoned left‑arm orthodox spinner, featured in England's victorious home T20 series against Sri Lanka in September. However, a hand injury forced him out of the subsequent ODIs, leaving a gap in the spin department that the selectors now aim to fill with his return. His experience and control will be crucial on the slower, turning pitches expected in Pakistan. Sam Curran’s journey back to the national side has been more arduous.
The all‑rounder was on the cusp of earning his first Test cap since 2021 when a groin operation in August curtailed his summer. After a carefully managed rehabilitation programme, he is now deemed fit enough to join the squad for the Pakistani leg of the tri‑series, providing England with a versatile option who can contribute with both bat and ball. Jofra Archer, who has been a work‑horse across all formats for England and also featured prominently in The Hundred, will be rested for the series. The decision, taken by national selector Marcus North, is intended to manage Archer’s workload ahead of a demanding winter schedule that includes tours of Australia and South Africa, as well as the build‑up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Archer’s pace and ability to swing the ball at high speed have been invaluable, but the ECB is prioritising his long‑term fitness. England will also be without former captain Jos Buttler, who suffered a hamstring strain during the recent T20 series against Sri Lanka and has been ruled out of the tour.
His absence leaves a gap in the middle order and behind the stumps, prompting the selectors to look to other experienced hands such as Joe Root and emerging talents like Harry Brook to fill the leadership and batting void. Speaking about the squad, North said: "The tri‑series in Pakistan offers a valuable chance for our ODI group 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 after 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 specialist support. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who took over as white‑ball head coach earlier this year, is leading a staff that does not currently include Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen, appointed as a specialist mentor for white‑ball sides last month, will step back for this tour and resume his duties during England's November series in Australia. McCullum will be assisted by former England spinner Jeetan Patel, batting coach Mike Yardy, fast‑bowling consultant David Saker and fielding specialist Carl Hopkinson. This flexible coaching model is designed to keep the team fresh and adaptable as England navigates a congested calendar leading up to the 2027 World Cup. The squad list features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters: 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).
This mixture aims to balance experience with fresh energy, giving the team depth in both batting and bowling departments. The itinerary for the tri‑series is as follows: the opening match on 18 October sees Pakistan take on Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by Pakistan versus England 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 meeting Sri Lanka on 27 October, and England confronting Sri Lanka on 29 October. The competition will culminate in a final on 31 October at Gaddafi Stadium, where the top two teams after the round‑robin stage will battle for the tri‑series title. Overall, the selection reflects England's intent to blend recovery, rotation and opportunity.
By bringing Rashid and Curran back, giving Crane a second chance, and resting Archer and Buttler, the ECB hopes to maintain competitive balance while safeguarding player welfare ahead of a busy international calendar and the looming World Cup. The tri‑series will serve as a crucial testing ground for the squad's depth and adaptability, offering players a platform to stake their claim for future selection in England's long‑term plans.