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'Didn't really expect it' - Mason Crane on England recall for Pakistan tri-series

Leg-spinner Mason Crane has been recalled to England’s ODI squad after nearly nine years away from international cricket, marking his first return since the 2017-18 Ashes series in Australia. The 29-year-old, who last played a Test in Sydney in 2018 and had just two T20Is against South Africa, expressed surprise at the call-up, admitting he had previously accepted the possibility of never featuring for England again.

His strong domestic season with Glamorgan—where he took 34 wickets in the County Championship and 15 in the Vitality Blast—proved decisive, showcasing renewed consistency and tactical depth in his bowling. Crane emphasized his renewed focus on adapting to match situations, expanding his repertoire of variations, and prioritizing performance over fleeting highlights, a shift that aligns with England’s need for depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

England’s ODI tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, running from October 20 to 31, will serve as a key preparatory platform. The series, held across Rawalpindi and Lahore, begins with England facing Pakistan in their opening match on October 20, followed by encounters against Sri Lanka on October 22 and 29, with the final scheduled for October 31.

For Crane, the tournament represents both a comeback and a chance to re-establish himself in the national setup under captain Harry Brook’s leadership, with selectors eyeing his contributions in conditions relevant to the upcoming World Cup.

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