Mason Crane ‘buzzing’ after England recall for Pakistan ODI tri-series
The Mason Crane England recall is the feel-good story of the touring party. The 29-year-old leg-spinner has been named in England’s squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, nearly nine years after his last international appearance.
Crane made only three international appearances, all as a 20-year-old in 2017 and early 2018. He admitted the call-up caught him completely by surprise.
‘Out of the blue’
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Crane said he had once given up hope of ever wearing an England shirt again.
“I didn’t really expect it, to be honest. It was a bit out of the blue. But it’s really cool and I’m buzzing,” he said. “I think there was a period a few years ago where I was sort of resigned to the fact it may not come again, where I maybe put a bit too much pressure on myself and wasn’t particularly enjoying it.”
He added that the last couple of years had brought his ambition back. “I’ve sort of got that spark back and the ambition that comes with it,” he said.
His last appearance came in the fifth Test of the 2017-18 Ashes in Sydney. He dismissed Usman Khawaja, who had already made 171, in a series Australia won 4-0. His other two caps came in T20Is against South Africa, where his only wicket in the format was AB de Villiers.
Domestic form made the case
Selectors could not ignore his 2026. Crane took 34 wickets in 14 County Championship matches and added 15 wickets in 10 Vitality Blast appearances. The consistency, more than any single spell, won him the recall.
National selector Marcus North said Crane had performed consistently for Glamorgan across both formats and thoroughly deserved another chance at international level.
Crane himself has worked on becoming a more complete bowler. “I don’t want to just be a highlights reel bowler, every now and then bowl a really good ball and just live off that,” he said. He wants to read match situations, pick the right variations and work batters out rather than relying on one magic delivery.
The Mason Crane England recall, nine years on
The tri-series could hardly be better timed for a comeback. England face hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka from October 18 to 31, with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore. England’s squad has already arrived in the country, and the tournament opens with England against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20.
Our tri-series preview breaks down the full schedule, which builds toward the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31. The series also serves as preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and England’s selectors want depth in spin-friendly conditions.
Harry Brook captains the side. The squad mixes established names like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran and Adil Rashid with newer faces, giving Crane a dressing room full of experience to lean on. Pakistan, for their part, arrive in good white-ball form after beating Sri Lanka in the recent T20I series opener.
For a leg-spinner who thought his England story had ended at 20, Pakistan offers a second beginning. Nine years is a long wait. Crane sounds ready to make it count.
Frequently asked questions
When did Mason Crane last play for England?
His last appearance was the fifth Test of the 2017-18 Ashes in Sydney, where he dismissed Usman Khawaja. He also played two T20Is against South Africa in 2017.
Why was he recalled?
Strong domestic form in 2026: 34 wickets in 14 County Championship matches and 15 wickets in 10 Vitality Blast games, plus a more consistent, tactical approach to his bowling.
When does the ODI tri-series start?
The tri-series runs from October 18 to 31, 2026. England open against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20, with the final in Lahore on October 31.
Who else is in England’s squad?
Harry Brook captains a 16-player squad including Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid and fellow spinner Liam Dawson, as our squad announcement coverage detailed.
