Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes has been included in the 14-member England Lions squad for two upcoming four-day fixtures against a visiting India A side, which features several players with Test and IPL experience. Woakes’ selection comes after recovering from an ankle injury that delayed the start of his domestic season.
Essex batter Jordan Cox also makes his return for the second match, having missed England’s Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge due to an abdominal strain. Notably, siblings Farhan and Rehan Ahmed have been picked in the same England representative side for the first time. Rehan is available for the first match in Canterbury before linking up with the England Men’s T20I squad to face the West Indies. Rocky Flintoff, son of former England captain Andrew Flintoff, has earned a place alongside left-arm quick Josh Hull, who made his Test debut last year.
Rew to lead the side
James Rew will captain the side for the first time. The Somerset wicketkeeper-batter was also recently named in England’s senior squad for the Zimbabwe Test. Sussex opener Tom Haines, who has been in excellent County Championship form with 640 runs at an average of 58.18—ranking third in Division One—has also received a call-up.
Ed Barney, ECB’s Performance Director for Men’s Cricket, said: “This series against a strong India A team offers a fantastic opportunity for a group of talented and promising players. It’s a chance for them to showcase their individual and collective potential on an international stage as we look ahead to England’s future.”
The first match of the series will take place at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from Friday 30 May, while the second game will be held at the County Ground in Northampton starting Friday 6 June.
England Lions Squad: James Rew (captain), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Woakes
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz