England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 15-man line-up for the upcoming five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan which kicks off August 24.
All-rounder Ben Stokes, who limped off the field during the second Test at Old Trafford against Pakistan due to a calf injury, was named in the squad, reported ecb.co.uk.
Stokes, however, is not the only player returning from injury.
“Ben’s made really significant progress over the last three weeks and our medical team are pleased,” said the National Selector James Whitaker.
“He’s progressing nicely towards bowling over the next week or so, and while we hope that initially he might just play as a batter he will lead into the series as an allrounder eventually.
“He’s worked really hard on his rehab and it’s given everyone a lot of confidence. To have him around again will be a huge bonus for Eoin Morgan and his team.”
Right-arm pacer Mark Wood returns to international cricket after a eight-month-long hiatus due to an ankle injury that he sustained during England’s tour of United Arab Emirates to play Pakistan.
“Mark Wood has had a couple of operations, and with his hard work and advice from our medical team he’s now able to take part in this series,” Whitaker said.
“Just over the last month he’s progressed very well and we’re very happy for him. We got him back into the Lions initially, he’d just played a couple of games for Durham before, and he played really well for the Lions and he’s continued that form since.”
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who put up 177 runs at a staggering average of 88 in four one-dayers against Azhar Ali’s men last winter, is returning from a fractured thumb.
England has named uncapped left-arm orthodox Liam Dawson after his decent three for 20 in the only Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Pakistan on Sunday bounced back at The Oval after comprehensive defeats at Old Trafford and Edgbaston to level the four-Test match series 2-2.
The tourists are scheduled to play Ireland on August 18 and 20 in two 50-over contests before the ODI series against the Three Lions commences.
The series will be followed by a one-off Twenty20 International at Old Trafford on September 7.
England squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
