England have named a host of internationally capped players in their Lions squad to face India A in two four-day games next month.
James Rew to captain England Lions against India
Record-breaking 21-year-old Somerset batter James Rew will captain the side for the first time, having previously played for the side last year against the same opposition. Rew was called-up to England's Test squad for the first time earlier this month ahead of their one-off game against Zimbabwe, to replace injured wicketkeeper Jordan Cox, who is also included in the Lions squad. Rew also captained Somerset in the County Championship for the first time this season, in a rain-affected draw against Hampshire.
Chris Woakes, Rehan Ahmed included in Lions squad
Chris Woakes has also been included in the squad, after an ankle injury ruled him out of the Test match against West Indies. Woakes hasn't featured for Warwickshire yet this season as he's managed the injury, with Sam Cook replacing him in the senior side. Other capped players in the group include Rehan Ahmed, who features in the same squad as his brother – Nottinghamshire spinner Farhan – for the first time. Rehan will play the first match of the series in Canterbury before joining up with the England T20I squad.
Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka last year, is also included, as is opening batting prospect Ben McKinney. Warwickshire all-rounder Dan Mousley, who played for England in their winter white-ball series' in the Caribbean, has also been selected. Pace bowling prospect Sonny Baker, who was awarded an ECB development contract after impressing for the Lions over the winter, retains his place in the squad.
The first match of the series will be played in Canterbury, beginning on May 30, before the second and final match begins in Northampton on June 6.
England Lions squad for India series
James Rew (c), 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.
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