The England Lions have put together a solid 14-member squad for their two upcoming four-day matches against India A, starting May 30 in Canterbury. This lineup mixes veteran experience with some exciting young talent. A big news is the return of Chris Woakes, who hasn’t played since missing the squad for a Test against Zimbabwe due to an ankle injury. He’s looking to prove his fitness and form ahead of the senior team’s Test series against India next month. Woakes, now 36, had a great performance in last summer’s Ashes, taking 19 wickets at an average of 18.15, and he remains an important player, especially with younger bowlers like Sam Cook pushing for spots on the senior team.
Leading the Lions is James Rew from Somerset, who is also part of the senior team for the Zimbabwe Test starting on May 22. Rew will captain a lively group which includes legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who will play in just the first match before joining the T20I squad for the West Indies tour, and promising top-order batter Dan Mousley.
Rocky Flintoff, the son of Ashes legend Andrew Flintoff, is also in the squad and has been getting a lot of attention. The team features left-arm quick Josh Hull, who made his England debut last summer against Sri Lanka, and opener Ben McKinney, a former England U-19 player aiming for more opportunities.
Farhan Ahmed, Rehan’s younger brother, earned a spot in the squad thanks to a series of good performances with his offspin for Nottinghamshire. Jordan Cox might be back for the second match in Northampton after being sidelined for the Zimbabwe Test with an injury, but Jofra Archer is out of the mix due to a thumb injury he picked up during the IPL.
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.
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