At a glance
- Warwickshire star picked to lead side
- Seven new call-ups in the squad
- Lions to play two four-day matches
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the England Lions squad to face South Africa in two four-day matches set to take place at Arundel Castle (22-25th May) and Beckenham (May 29-Jun 1).
England squad
| Name | County |
| Dan Mousley (c) | Warwickshire |
| Charlie Allison | Essex |
| Henry Crocombe | Sussex |
| Eddie Jack | Hampshire |
| Ben Geddes | Middlesex |
| Ben Mayes | Hampshire |
| Ben McKinney | Durham |
| Tom Lawes | Surrey |
| Alfie Ogborne | Somerset |
| Liam Patterson-White | Nottinghamshire |
| James Sales | Northamptonshire |
| Naavya Sharma | Middlesex |
| Mitchell Stanley | Lancashire |
| Asa Tribe | Glamorgan |
| James Wharton | Yorkshire |
Dan Mousley has been named as captain. Mousley, who played for England in seven white-ball matches in the Caribbean in 2024, will lead the 15 man squad that includes five players who were part of the Lions’ tour of Australia in the winter. They are Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Tom Lawes, Mitchell Stanley and Asa Tribe.
There are seven new call-ups as well, including the young Essex opener Charlie Allison, and Middlesex; 20-year-old fast bowler Naavya Sharma. Somerset’s left-arm seamer Alfie Ogborne is included for the first match only, and will be replaced by Sussex’s Henry Crocombe for the second game.
“An exciting squad”
The timing of the series clashes with the opening rounds of the Vitality Blast. This reflects the ECB’s current focus on reviving England’s Test fortunes after this winter’s 4-1 defeat in the Ashes.
England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney said:
“We have selected an exciting squad that brings together these players that are potentially next in line for England selection, alongside some of the most exciting talent in the game.
“We have a core of players who toured Australia with the Lions in the winter as well as new names who have been rewarded for their form in the Rothesay County Championship this season. These matches provide an opportunity to perform and execute their skills against a strong international side.”
Many of the players will expect to feature in the Lions’ reciprocal tour of South Africa, with a three match 50-over series and two four-day games scheduled between December 1st and 21st.
Stay up to date with all the latest international cricket content with ReadCricket and follow us on instagram.
