Mason Crane makes England return but Jofra Archer rested for ODI series in Pakistan

Glamorgan leg-spinner Mason Crane has earned a first international call-up in eight years but Jofra Archer will sit out the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan.

A 16-player squad for ODIs against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi and Lahore was named on Thursday with Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell ruled out through injury, but Adil Rashid is fit enough to return after a hand problem with Sam Curran back in the group after a groin issue.

Uncapped Sussex duo James Coles and Henry Crocombe are included again after they were part of squads this summer.

However, Crane’s selection is the most eye-catching by white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum, captain Harry Brook and selector Marcus North.

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Valuable experience

Crane played two T20s for England in 2017 but last appeared for his country in an Ashes Test in Sydney at the start of 2018 where he recorded figures of one for 193.

Inspired to bowl leg breaks by Shane Warne, Crane, 29, has a wealth of experience after a lengthy spell at Hampshire before he joined Glamorgan in 2024.

He claimed 15 wickets in this year’s Vitality Blast and picked up two for 20 for England Lions against Sri Lanka last month.

“The tri-series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions,” 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.

“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.”

Mentor role

Kevin Pietersen is not part of McCullum’s coaching staff for this series, which was always expected but the former England batter will resume his mentor role for the winter series against Australia and South Africa.

After Marcus Trescothick was placed in interim charge for the 3-0 Test series win at home to Pakistan, he is given this series off and Mike Yardy will step up as batting coach after time coaching in England’s youth set-up.

Jeetan Patel, David Saker and Carl Hopkinson complete McCullum’s staff, but the Press Association understands no decisions have been made on the long-term make-up of the backroom staff.

England ODI squad

Team: 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, Josh Tongue.

READ MORE: England’s Jos Buttler out of Pakistan tour after injury against Sri Lanka