ENG vs AUS: Saqib Mahmood added to England squad for ODI series vs Australia

England vs Australia: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) added right-arm pacer Saqib Mahmood to their squad for the five-match ODI series against Australia.

In Short

• Saqib Mahmood returns to England's ODI squad after back injury
• Jos Buttler will miss the ODI series due to a right calf injury
• Harry Brook has been named as England's stand-in captain

Lancashire pace bowler Saqib Mahmood has been called up to England's squad for the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Australia, marking his return to the 50-over format. Mahmood, 27, has not played an ODI since March 2023 after suffering a recurrence of a stress fracture in his back, but his recent performances have shown he's ready for a return to international cricket.

Mahmood made a successful comeback during the ongoing T20 series against Australia, where he took 2-21 in the opening match at Southampton. With eight wickets in 14 ODIs at an impressive average of 22.85, Mahmood's inclusion adds depth to England's bowling attack as they prepare for the five-match ODI series.

Meanwhile, captain Jos Buttler will miss the series due to a right calf injury. The injury opens the door for 25-year-old Harry Brook, who has been named as the stand-in captain. This will be Brook's first time leading England in any format, though he has captained Yorkshire in the T20 Blast and Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

England's squad has faced further disruptions with Josh Hull sidelined by a quad injury. Hull, who impressed in his Test debut against Sri Lanka, will be replaced by Liam Livingstone. Livingstone, in fine form during the T20I series, was initially left out of the ODI squad but now returns with a point to prove. He has recently excelled at No. 4 in the T20 format and will look to replicate that success in the ODIs.

Speaking about his ambitions for the ODI series, Livingstone said, "I've shown over the last month that the longer I get to bat, the more I can affect games. I'm looking forward to making an impact."

The highly anticipated ODI series kicks off at Trent Bridge on Thursday, 19 September.

England vs Australia ODI series schedule:

1st ODI: 19 September, Trent Bridge

2nd ODI: 21 September, Headingley

3rd ODI: 24 September, Seat Unique Riverside

4th ODI: 27 September, Lord’s

5th ODI: 29 September, Seat Unique Stadium

England ODI squad to play Australia: Harry Brook (captain), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner.