Neither Vince nor Billings has played an ODI since July 2021, but both have impressed in their recent 50-over opportunities. Vince’s last ODI innings brought his first England hundred to complete a clean sweep over Pakistan, while Billings has been unfortunate to miss out on recent selection after averaging 56.00 in his eight ODI innings since 2020.
The series, which does not form part of the World Cup Super League, will stretch England’s player pool considerably. By November 17, the day of the first ODI in Adelaide, the squad for their Tests in Pakistan in December will be in Abu Dhabi, along with a 15-man Lions training group and three fast bowlers who are recovering from long-term injuries.
As a result, several leading white-ball players are not involved in the ODI series. Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood will travel to the UAE straight after the World Cup – along with Ben Stokes, who has retired from the ODI format – while Ben Duckett, Will Jacks and Joe Root were not considered for selection because of their involvement in the Test squad.