England Name Squad for ODI Tri-Series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka as Buttler Misses Out
Adil Rashid and Sam Curran have been recalled by England after recovering from injury. Photograph: Sky Sports.
England have named a 16-player squad for the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 18 to 31 October 2026.
England will be without former captain Jos Buttler, who has not recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the recent home ODI series against Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has also been left out after being rested to manage his workload following a busy summer.
The squad will be led by Harry Brook and includes the return of experienced white-ball spinner Adil Rashid and all-rounder Sam Curran. Three players (Mason Crane, James Coles and Henry Crocombe) could make their ODI debuts during the competition.
For Sri Lankan supporters in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and around the world, the tri-series provides an important opportunity to follow Sri Lanka cricket in competitive 50-over matches against two strong regional opponents.
Buttler misses out after hamstring injury
Buttler sustained his hamstring injury during England’s home ODI series against Sri Lanka. He retired hurt on 67 in the second ODI at Headingley, where Sri Lanka went on to record a 16-run victory.
That result levelled the three-match series before England won the decider at The Oval. Buttler’s injury means he will not be available for England’s October campaign in Pakistan.
His absence will place additional responsibility on England’s new white-ball leadership group, with Harry Brook named as captain for the tri-series.
The series is part of the wider preparation for the forthcoming 50-over World Cup. The matches will also give England’s squad members the opportunity to experience subcontinental conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Rashid and Curran return
Adil Rashid returns after missing the entire ODI series against Sri Lanka in September because of an injury to his right bowling hand. The leg-spinner has been a central part of England’s white-ball plans for many years and brings significant international experience to a squad that also contains several newer players.
Sam Curran is available again after recovering from a groin injury. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives England another all-round option during a demanding schedule.
National selector Marcus North said the tri-series would provide England with valuable experience against quality opposition and in different playing conditions.
> “The tri-series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions,” North said.
He added that Rashid and Curran had returned following their respective injuries, while Archer had been rested to manage his workload after a busy summer.
Mason Crane set for ODI debut
Mason Crane has been called up after performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer. The leg-spinner’s last international appearance came during the 2017–18 Ashes series, and he is now in line for his ODI debut.
North described Crane as an experienced, high-class leg-spinner who had earned another opportunity at international level.
Sussex pair James Coles and Henry Crocombe have also been included. Both players were part of England’s white-ball squads earlier in the summer and could make their first ODI appearances in Pakistan.
The squad combines established names such as Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid with players seeking to establish themselves in England’s 50-over side.
Full England squad for the Pakistan tri-series
- 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
Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler are not included in the squad. Archer is being rested, while Buttler remains unavailable because of injury.
England’s coaching staff for the tour
Brendon McCullum will oversee a rotated coaching staff during the Pakistan tour. Kevin Pietersen will not be part of the coaching group for this series, as planned.
Pietersen began his role as a specialist white-ball mentor during England’s recent series against Sri Lanka. He is expected to resume that role during England’s November tour of Australia.
McCullum will be supported in Pakistan by Jeetan Patel, Mike Yardy, David Saker and Carl Hopkinson.
The rotation reflects England’s busy international schedule as the team continues its preparation for the next 50-over World Cup.
Sri Lanka fixtures in the ODI tri-series
Sri Lanka will play England twice and Pakistan twice during the league stage. The opening match is against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on 18 October.
Full tri-series schedule
- 18 October: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 20 October: Pakistan v England
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 22 October: Sri Lanka v England
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi - 25 October: Pakistan v England
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 27 October: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 29 October: Sri Lanka v England
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - 31 October: Tri-series final
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The two Sri Lanka v England fixtures are scheduled for 22 October in Rawalpindi and 29 October in Lahore. The final will be played on 31 October at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Readers in the UK and elsewhere should check local television, streaming and digital broadcast listings closer to the start of the competition, as availability can vary by country.
Why the tri-series matters for Sri Lanka cricket
The tournament is a significant part of Sri Lanka’s preparation for the next 50-over World Cup. Four matches against Pakistan and England will give Sri Lanka valuable ODI experience in subcontinental conditions.
The competition will also provide a focused period of international cricket during the autumn, allowing Sri Lankan supporters across the diaspora to follow the national team across two major Pakistani venues.
For Sri Lankan families, students and professionals living overseas, the schedule offers several opportunities to watch or follow the team, particularly through online coverage and local broadcast services. Supporters should confirm match times and viewing arrangements in their own region.
The tri-series will also be followed closely by those interested in Sri Lanka cricket news, England cricket and the wider development of international ODI cricket ahead of the World Cup.
No results or final standings can be known before the tournament begins. The confirmed schedule, however, gives supporters clear dates to follow Sri Lanka’s campaign.
A new chapter for England’s ODI squad
England’s selection reflects a combination of continuity and change. Brook will lead the side in Buttler’s absence, while Root, Rashid and other senior players provide experience.
At the same time, Crane, Coles and Crocombe have the opportunity to begin their ODI careers. Curran’s return adds all-round depth, and Archer’s absence underlines England’s intention to manage workloads across a crowded international calendar.
For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on using the tri-series as meaningful preparation against two competitive opponents. The matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore should offer supporters a valuable autumn programme of Sri Lanka cricket and a clear link to the team’s longer-term World Cup plans.
Original sources
- Associated Press report via Yahoo Sports: England without Buttler and Archer for ODI tri-series
- Sky Sports: England recall Adil Rashid and Sam Curran as Jofra Archer is rested
- ECB: England squad announcement
- eLanka: Sri Lankan community news and culture