England paceman Archer rested for ODI tri-series
Buttler misses series through injury
Buttler will also be absent from England’s squad after suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI against Sri Lanka.
The wicketkeeper-batter was replaced by Dan Lawrence for England’s third ODI against Sri Lanka after experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring. His absence means England will enter the Pakistan tri-series without one of their most experienced white-ball players.
Buttler recently reached a major career milestone by becoming the first England batter to score 10,000 runs in international white-ball cricket across ODIs and T20 matches. His injury now keeps him out of an important ODI assignment in Pakistan.
Adil Rashid returns after injury
England have received a boost with the return of experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Rashid is back in the squad after recovering from a hand injury that kept him out of England’s recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. His return gives England another experienced option in the bowling attack, particularly in conditions that can assist spin.
All-rounder Sam Curran has also returned after recovering from a groin injury. The inclusion of both players adds experience to a squad that also contains several uncapped players.
Mason Crane earns international recall
Glamorgan leg-spinner Mason Crane has received his first ODI call-up.
Crane is uncapped in the ODI format and returns to the England setup after a lengthy absence from international cricket. The ECB said Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer.
He previously represented England in a Test match against Australia in the 2017-18 Ashes series and also played two T20 internationals in 2017. His selection gives England another specialist spin option for the tri-series.
England add several uncapped players
The squad also includes uncapped Sussex players James Coles and Henry Crocombe.
Both players were part of England’s white-ball squads during the summer and have now been selected for the Pakistan tri-series. The squad therefore combines experienced players such as Joe Root, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran with several players looking to establish themselves at international level.
Harry Brook will captain the side during the tri-series.
The 16-member squad includes Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Josh Tongue.
England to face Pakistan and Sri Lanka twice
The tri-series will begin with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18.
Also Read: Injured Buttler to miss England ODI series in Pakistan
Pakistan will then play England at the same venue on October 20. Sri Lanka and England will meet on October 22, completing the Rawalpindi leg of the tournament.
The teams will then move to Lahore for the remaining matches. Pakistan will face England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25, followed by Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka on October 27.
Sri Lanka and England will play their final league match on October 29. The top two teams will qualify for the final at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
Archer’s absence gives others an opportunity
Archer’s absence will allow other England fast bowlers to take on greater responsibility during the tournament. The ECB said his rest is part of workload management following a busy summer rather than an injury-related omission.
England will have Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue among their pace options, while the squad also includes all-rounders such as Sam Curran and Jamie Overton. The team will have to manage its bowling resources carefully across the six league matches and the final.
England prepare for different conditions
The tri-series will provide England with an opportunity to play ODI cricket in Pakistani conditions before the tournament reaches its final stage.
The matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore will also give players selected for the squad a chance to gain experience in different conditions. England national selector Marcus North said the tri-series would provide another opportunity for the ODI squad to test itself against strong opposition.
He also highlighted the return of Rashid and Curran and explained that Archer had been rested to manage his workload. The ECB has described the series as an opportunity for the ODI squad to test itself against quality opposition in different conditions.
