As India gear up for their five-Test tour of England starting June 20 -- the action will kick off a little earlier with two four-day matches between England Lions and India A. The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the warm-up games.
The games are scheduled for May 30 in Canterbury and June 6 in Northampton. These matches will give selectors and fans a close look at the next line of talent pushing for national honours.
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36-year-old seamer Chris Woakes is set to make his comeback from an ankle injury that has kept him out since January.
Who will captain England Lions?
Somerset’s James Rew has been named captain. The young wicketkeeper-batter was recently included in England’s squad for their upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
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Rew will captain the side in both matches. Jordan Cox is also returning to England Lions for the second game after recovering from an abdominal issue.
Two young names will also be there in the squad: 17-year-olds Rocky Flintoff -- son of former England captain Andrew Flintoff and spinner Farhan Ahmed -- brother of England international Rehan Ahmed.
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Both will be representing England together for the first time. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has not been included due to a thumb injury picked up during the IPL.
But there is a chance that Ben Stokes could feature in the second game. He is currently making his return from hamstring surgery and is expected to assess his condition after the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
India A’s squad will likely include Test regulars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. ECB performance director Ed Barney sees the series as a vital step for player development.
Full England Lions squad
James Rew (capt), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed (first match only), 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