Mason Crane recalled to England ODI squad after eight years for Pakistan tri-series
Synopsis
Eight years after his last England appearance, leg-spinner Mason Crane is back — named in a 16-member ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series alongside two uncapped debutants. With Buttler still injured and Archer rested, the series is as much an audition as a tournament, giving Harry Brook's side a rare chance to stress-test their ODI depth before a demanding winter.
Key Takeaways
Mason Crane , 29, has been recalled to England's ODI squad after eight years , replacing Rehan Ahmed .
His last England appearance was the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January 2018 .
Uncapped duo James Coles (all-rounder) and Henry Crocombe (fast bowler) earn first call-ups.
Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return from hand and groin injuries respectively.
Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer are both absent — hamstring injury and workload management respectively.
The tri-series runs from 18–31 October across Rawalpindi and Lahore , with the final at Gaddafi Stadium .
Leg-spinner Mason Crane has earned a surprise England recall after an eight-year absence, named in a 16-member ODI squad for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, which also features Sri Lanka. The series, spanning Rawalpindi and Lahore, runs from 18 to 31 October 2026.
Crane's Long Road Back
Crane, now 29, last represented England in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January 2018, having also appeared in two T20Is in 2017. His return replaces Rehan Ahmed in the squad following a consistent domestic summer with Glamorgan across both formats. Chief selector Marcus North said in a statement on Thursday: '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.'
New Faces and Key Returns
England have handed first international call-ups to uncapped all-rounder James Coles and fast bowler Henry Crocombe. Senior leg-spinner Adil Rashid and all-rounder Sam Curran have both returned to the squad after recovering from hand and groin injuries respectively. North noted that the tri-series 'provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions.'
Notable Absentees
Captain Jos Buttler continues to sit out as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, which England won 2-1. Star pacer Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer. Middle-order batter Jacob Bethell remains sidelined after knee surgery, while pacer Brydon Carse — who was investigated by the Cricket Regulator over an incident outside a Derby nightclub — is also not included.
Coaching and Mentorship Changes
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen will not travel with the side to Pakistan, though he reportedly remains on course to resume his mentor duties for the winter matches against Australia and South Africa. Marcus Trescothick has been given a break following his interim stint during the 3-0 Test sweep against Pakistan, with Mike Yardy stepping in as batting coach after working with England's development teams.
Tri-Series Schedule and Squad
The tournament begins on 18 October with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka. Harry Brook's England side open their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi on 20 October, with the final scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 31 October. The full squad is: Harry Brook (captain), 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. With Buttler absent and two uncapped players introduced, the series offers England a genuine opportunity to assess their ODI depth heading into a busy winter.
Point of View
The selectors are clearly willing to gamble on experience over youth. The absence of Buttler and Archer, both central to England's white-ball identity, means Brook will be carrying this squad as a captain-in-chief in a way he has not yet been required to in ODIs. How England manage a young, reshaped squad against quality subcontinent opposition will define their readiness for a demanding winter schedule.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mason Crane recalled to England's ODI squad after eight years?
Mason Crane was recalled following a consistently impressive domestic summer with Glamorgan across both formats. Chief selector Marcus North cited him as an 'experienced, high-class leg-spinner' deserving another international opportunity, with Crane replacing Rehan Ahmed in the squad.
When and where is the England-Pakistan ODI tri-series 2026?
The tri-series involving Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka runs from 18 to 31 October 2026 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. England open their campaign against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on 20 October, and the final is scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 31 October.
Why is Jos Buttler not in England's ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series?
Jos Buttler is still recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained during England's recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, which England won 2-1. There is no confirmed timeline for his return in the current reports.
Who are the uncapped players in England's ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series?
All-rounder James Coles and fast bowler Henry Crocombe are the two uncapped players handed their first England ODI call-ups in this squad. Both are yet to make their international debuts.
Why has Jofra Archer been left out of England's Pakistan ODI squad?
Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer, according to chief selector Marcus North. He is not injured and is expected to return for future assignments.
