Mark Wood named in England squad for first ODI against Pakistan

England pacer Mark Wood has made the cut for the England squad that will play the first ODI against Pakistan at Southampton. As opposed to the T20 internationals played against Sri Lanka, the England selectors have opted to go in with a strong squad with many a familiar face making a return to the side for the upcoming One-Day International against Pakistan.

Moreover, the selectors have raised an eyebrow when they named Ben Stokes for the upcoming ODI. A player who quite easily picks himself in the squad has been out of action for some time in both the Sri Lanka and the Pakistan series due to an injury. Stokes was put through a rehabilitation process after an MRI scan indicated that he had an injured hamstring.

From the Test squad, Alex Hales, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, and Jonny Bairstow have retained their place and are expected to play as well. It is also strange that the England management has persisted with Alex Hales following his torrid performances in the Test matches. Completing the squad will be Jos Buttler, the wicketkeeper-batsman, limited overs’ skipper Eoin Morgan and pacers Chris Jordan and David Willey.

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Alex Hales will be expected to open the batting with Jason Roy with Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid selected in a support capacity. The selectors have also persisted with Liam Dawson who impressed in the T20 series against Sri Lanka. England will take on Pakistan on the 24th of August in Southampton, a match that will kick off the ODI series. Sam Billings is the one shocking exclusion from the side.

The squad: Eoin Morgan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, David Willey, Joe Root, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Liam Dawson, Joe Root, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid

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Your England squad for the #EngvPak Royal London ODI series!https://t.co/unSPcTHX0B pic.twitter.com/shQfU5WXzu

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 16, 2016