England have announced a 16-member squad for the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in October. Leg-spinner Mason Crane has earned an international recall after eight years, while Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return after injuries. Jos Buttler misses the tour because of a hamstring injury, while Jofra Archer has been rested. The tri-series will run from October 18 to October 31 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Why has Mason Crane returned to England's squad?The biggest talking point in England's selection is the return of Mason Crane.The 29-year-old Glamorgan leg-spinner has been selected eight years after his last appearance for England. His most recent international match came in the 2018 Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney.Crane has two T20I appearances for England from 2017, but he remains uncapped in ODI cricket. His selection means he could make his ODI debut in Pakistan.England men's national selector Marcus North praised Crane's recent performances.“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.Crane has also been part of England Lions cricket recently and has impressed with his bowling form.Who is in England's 16-member ODI squad?Harry Brook will captain England in the tri-series.The complete 16-member squad is:Harry Brook (Captain)Gus AtkinsonSonny BakerTom BantonJames ColesJordan CoxMason CraneHenry CrocombeSam CurranLiam DawsonBen DuckettWill JacksJamie OvertonAdil RashidJoe RootJosh TongueThree players — Mason Crane, James Coles and Henry Crocombe — are uncapped in ODI cricket. Coles and Crocombe have previously been part of England's white-ball squads. Why are Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer missing?England will travel without two major names.Former captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury suffered during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. He will not be fit for the Pakistan tri-series. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has also been left out, but his absence is not due to a new injury. England have decided to rest him after a busy summer schedule.Marcus North said:“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.” Adil Rashid returns after recovering from a hand injury, while Sam Curran is back after a groin problem.When will the England-Pakistan-Sri Lanka tri-series start?The ODI tri-series will begin on October 18, 2026, with Pakistan playing Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.England's first match will be against Pakistan on October 20 in Rawalpindi.The complete schedule is:DateMatchVenueOctober 18Pakistan vs Sri LankaRawalpindiOctober 20Pakistan vs EnglandRawalpindiOctober 22Sri Lanka vs EnglandRawalpindiOctober 25Pakistan vs EnglandLahoreOctober 27Pakistan vs Sri LankaLahoreOctober 29Sri Lanka vs EnglandLahoreOctober 31FinalGaddafi Stadium, LahoreThe tournament will therefore run from October 18 to October 31, with six league matches followed by the final between the top two teams. The listed match timings are 2:30 PM IST for the day games. The final is also scheduled as part of the same tournament timetable.What could England's Playing XI look like?The exact Playing XI has not been announced and will be decided before each match.Based on the announced squad, a possible England XI for the first ODI against Pakistan could be:Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton.However, this is only a probable combination, not the confirmed XI. Mason Crane could also come into the playing XI if England want an additional leg-spinner.The final selection will depend on pitch conditions, fitness and team combination.Why is the tri-series important for England?The tournament will give England valuable ODI cricket in Asian conditions ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.England will play Pakistan and Sri Lanka twice during the round-robin stage. The top two teams will then qualify for the final on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.For Crane, the tour could mark a major return to international cricket. After waiting nearly eight years since his last England appearance, he now has an opportunity to make his ODI debut and compete for a regular place in England's white-ball setup.
