Mason Crane Earns England Recall After Nine-Year Hiatus, Reinvented as Batter

Leg-spinner Mason Crane has been called up for England's one-day tri-series in Pakistan later this month, nearly nine years after his last international appearance. Crane last played for England in January 2018, earning a single Test cap in Sydney shortly after featuring in two T20 internationals.

This summer, Crane has re-entered England's considerations by taking 15 wickets at an average of 20 for Glamorgan in the T20 Blast, and 34 wickets at 35 in division one of the championship. The 29-year-old has also significantly improved his batting, scoring the first two centuries of his career and a 99.

"Mason Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer," said national selector Marcus North. "He’s an experienced, high-class leg-spinner who thoroughly deserves another opportunity at international level."

The 16-man squad for the series, which begins on October 18 and also includes Sri Lanka, features uncapped Sussex duo James Coles, a spin-bowling all-rounder, and seamer Henry Crocombe. Both have been on the fringes of the international setup.

Adil Rashid returns to the squad after recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. Sam Curran is also back after a groin issue cut short his summer.

Jos Buttler will miss the series due to a hamstring injury sustained last week, and Jofra Archer will be rested. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker, who impressed against Sri Lanka, is also included and aims to refine his reverse-swinging skills on Pakistan's dry pitches.

England is scheduled to play two matches each against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tri-series final is set to take place in Lahore on October 31.