Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have been reinstated in England's One‑Day International squad after overcoming recent injuries, while fast bowler Jofra Archer will sit out the upcoming tri‑series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to manage his workload. The 16‑man squad for the Pakistan leg of the tournament includes three players who have never before worn an England ODI shirt, signalling a blend of experience and fresh talent as Harry Brook’s side prepares to face each opponent twice.
Among the newcomers is spinner Mason Crane, who makes a return to international cricket eight years after his last appearance in the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series. Crane has impressed with consistent performances for Glamorgan across both red‑ball and white‑ball formats this summer, and his inclusion reflects the selectors’ belief that his leg‑spin can add variety to the attack. Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe have also earned places in the squad, having been part of England's white‑ball contingents earlier in the season, and both are poised to make their ODI debuts if the opportunity arises. Rashid, a key spin option for England, featured in the victorious home T20 series against Sri Lanka in September.
However, a hand injury forced him out of the subsequent ODI matches, leaving a gap in the spin department that the selectors have now filled with his return. His experience and control will be valuable on the sub‑continental pitches that typically favour slower bowlers. 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 curtailed his summer. Rehabilitation has gone well, and the coaching staff are confident that Curran will be match‑fit for the Pakistan tour, offering a left‑handed batting option and handy seam bowling. Jofra Archer, who enjoyed a busy summer featuring in all three formats for England as well as The Hundred, will be given a rest period. With the demanding tours of Australia and South Africa looming in the winter, England’s selector Marcus North has opted to preserve Archer’s pace and fitness for the longer term, rather than risk fatigue or injury.
England also face the absence of former captain Jos Buttler, who suffered a hamstring strain during the Sri Lanka series and has been ruled out of the Pakistan trip. His loss leaves a gap in the middle order and behind the stumps, but the team has depth with players like Harry Brook, Liam Dawson and Ben Duckett ready to step up. North explained the rationale behind the squad composition: "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 has also been tweaked. After stepping back from his Test responsibilities earlier in the summer, New Zealand great Brendon McCullum now leads a rotating staff that does not include former England star Kevin Pietersen for this assignment.
Pietersen, appointed last month as a specialist mentor for England's white‑ball sides, will resume his duties during the November tour of Australia, allowing McCullum to work with a core group of assistants including Jeetan Patel, Mike Yardy, David Saker and Carl Hopkinson. This rotation is part of a broader strategy to manage staff workloads as England navigates a congested schedule leading up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The squad list features a mix 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).
Their combined skill sets give England a balanced unit capable of adapting to the varied conditions they will encounter across the venues. The itinerary for the tri‑series is packed, beginning with Pakistan versus Sri Lanka on 18 October at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by England’s first match against Pakistan on 20 October at the same ground. England will then face Sri Lanka on 22 October, also in Rawalpindi.
The series shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for the remaining fixtures: England versus Pakistan on 25 October, Pakistan versus Sri Lanka on 27 October, Sri Lanka versus England on 29 October, and finally the tri‑series final on 31 October. These matches will test England’s adaptability, depth and the effectiveness of the recent squad adjustments. In summary, the re‑introduction of Rashid and Curran bolsters England’s spin and all‑round options, while Archer’s rest safeguards his long‑term fitness. The inclusion of Mason Crane, James Coles and Henry Crocombe injects fresh energy, and the coaching rotation ensures that the team remains strategically agile ahead of a busy international calendar.
England will aim to translate this blend of experience and youth into strong performances throughout the Pakistan leg of the tri‑series, setting a solid foundation for the upcoming World Cup campaign.