England ODI squad Pakistan: Sonny Baker rises, Mason Crane returns, Archer rests.
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England ODI Squad Pakistan
Would you choose a young bowler and a player from the past in the same team? England have done just that with the announcement of the England ODI squad for Pakistan.
Sonny Baker advances, Mason Crane returns after years away from the game, and Jofra Archer is rested as two surprises dominate the headlines. Here’s the full story.
England ODI Squad Pakistan
England have named their 16-man ODI squad for the October tri-series in Pakistan, with Sri Lanka also taking part in the fixtures.
The main facts include:
- Jofra Archer is rested following an exhausting summer.
- Jos Buttler remains excluded from the set-up.
- Sam Curran is back in action after a groin injury.
- Mason Crane is recalled to the squad after a prolonged absence from the game.
Archer’s exclusion makes sense. With the winter Test fixtures looming large, he will need to be at his best, and the English management do not want to see him fatigue ahead of the Ashes. Jos Buttler continues to be a mystery as the skipper remains sidelined.
Sonny Baker Rises as a fast bowler
Sonny Baker has won the PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award and is a pacey addition to the squad, but will he be able to adapt to the dry and slow conditions on offer in Pakistan? The young man will now need to acquire new skills, such as reverse swing, in order to be successful on the tour. Kyle Abbott will assist him with this.
Baker will also need to master death-over yorkers if he is to be an asset. However, he has an even bigger decision to make. The young man can either join the IPL fray and earn millions, or he can stay loyal to county cricket and help England win the Ashes. It is like choosing between instant gratification and deferred rewards.
Mason Crane Recall creates more intrigue
This is the biggest shock of all as legspinner Mason Crane makes his way back to the England fold. The last time he was recalled to the senior set-up was during the 2017-18 Ashes series.
So why is he back? Rehan Ahmed’s poor display against Sri Lanka meant that the management decided to turn to another spinner. Crane has been playing well for Glamorgan and his consistent performances in the county have borne fruit.
Crane is in line to provide back-up to Adil Rashid. This means that he is preferred to Rehan Ahmed for now. Ahmed will get a second chance, but the door has opened for Crane to prove his worth.
Why does this story matter?
England are promoting a ‘two-track’ approach, with Baker representing one stream and Crane the other. There will need to be more depth if England are to compete during a challenging winter.
There is also a new face in the camp, as David Saker takes over bowling responsibility. This tour will be a trial for all of them, with the winter Ashes the ultimate prize.
Final thoughts
England have chosen to bring in a young prospect and a recalled player in one squad. One speaks of vision, and the other speaks of reward for loyalty. If they both shine, England will be able to look forward to the Ashes.
What are your thoughts on the subject? Is Sonny Baker ready for the stage, and was Mason Crane the right choice?
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