Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have both been reinstated in England's One-Day International squad after overcoming recent injuries, while 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 worn an England shirt at senior level, reflecting the board's desire to blend experience with fresh talent. Among the newcomers is spinner Mason Crane, who makes a return to the international scene eight years after his last appearance – a lone Test in the final match of England's 2017/18 Ashes tour.
Crane's inclusion signals that the selectors are willing to give a second chance to a leg‑spinner who has been a consistent performer for Glamorgan in both the County Championship and the limited‑overs formats. Also in the mix are Sussex all‑rounders James Coles and Henry Crocombe, both of whom could earn their ODI debuts after being part of England's white‑ball squads earlier in the summer. Rashid, the left‑arm wrist‑spinner from Yorkshire, featured in England's successful 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 team now hopes he can fill. His return adds variety to the bowling attack and gives captain Harry Brook a reliable option in the middle overs. Sam Curran's path back to the side has been equally eventful. The Surrey all‑rounder was tipped for a Test debut for the first time since 2021, but a groin operation in August halted his summer campaign.
Following rehabilitation, Curran has been cleared to travel to Pakistan and is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, offering depth in the lower order and a useful seam option in the early phases of the innings. In contrast, fast bowler Jofra Archer will be rested for the series. Archer played a full summer across formats for England and also featured in The Hundred, but with the demanding tours of Australia and South Africa looming in the winter, national selector Marcus North has chosen to manage his workload carefully.
The decision aims to preserve Archer's long‑term fitness and ensure he arrives at the next major tournaments in peak condition. England also have to cope without Jos Buttler, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Sri Lanka series and has been ruled out of the Pakistan tour.
Buttler's absence leaves a gap in the middle order and behind the stumps, but the side has several capable alternatives, including the in‑form Harry Brook, who will lead the side, and experienced campaigners such as Joe Root and Liam Dawson. North commented on the squad composition, saying, "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." He also highlighted Mason Crane's domestic form, noting that the leg‑spinner "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 workload management.
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who was appointed specialist white‑ball mentor last month, oversees a rotating staff that does not currently include Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen, who had been serving as a specialist mentor earlier in the year, will step back for this tour and return to his role when England head to Australia in November. McCullum will be supported by former players and coaches Jeetan Patel, Mike Yardy, David Saker and Carl Hopkinson, all of whom bring specific expertise to the side. England's schedule in Pakistan is packed, with each team playing the others twice before a final on 31 October at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
The fixtures are as follows: 18 October – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi; 20 October – Pakistan vs England in Rawalpindi; 22 October – Sri Lanka vs England in Rawalpindi; 25 October – Pakistan vs England in Lahore; 27 October – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore; 29 October – Sri Lanka vs England in Lahore; and the series final on 31 October. The itinerary offers a blend of high‑pressure matches and opportunities for the newer players to showcase their skills on the international stage.
The squad list, as announced, includes: - 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 blend of seasoned campaigners and uncapped talent reflects England's long‑term vision of building a deep pool of players ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup. By giving Rashid and Curran the chance to re‑establish themselves, while also resting Archer and managing Buttler's injury, the board hopes to maintain competitive balance and keep the squad fresh for the demanding international calendar that lies ahead.