On Saturday, England retained their 16-man squad from the ongoing Sri Lanka series for the upcoming ODIs against Pakistan, thus delaying premier all-rounder Ben Stokes’ comeback to the national fold.
Stokes wasn’t considered despite now being fully recovered from the finger injury he picked up at the start of the IPL 2021 in April. The star cricketer has been playing in the ongoing T20 Blast for Durham but didn’t get picked for the three-match series versus Pakistan.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler also hasn’t been rushed back for the Pakistan ODIs after injuring his calf during the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Whether the explosive batsman and improving gloveman will take part in the T20Is against Pakistan after also missing the ODIs versus Sri Lanka remains to be seen.
The retention of the same squad will certainly be happy news for Sussex left-arm quick George Garton and Somerset right-hand batsman Tom Banton. Garton, who looks set to make his debut via the final one-dayer in Bristol against Sri Lanka, will be hoping to impress the management and get more game time versus Pakistan.
Banton, a highly talented batsman, will also be fancying his chance in the playing XI at some stage after coming in as a backup for Dawid Malan for Sri Lanka ODIs.
The Pakistan ODI series begins on July 8 in Cardiff, followed by matches at Lord’s & Edgbaston on July 10 and July 13.
