England announce strong squad, star opener returns after 8 years

The Lions will take on India A at New Road in a four-day match starting on July 16

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a strong Lions XI team for the upcoming unofficial Test against Indian A starting from July 16. Former English skipper Alastair Cook has found a place in the squad and will represent the Lions after eight years.

Apart from Cook’s inclusion, Somerset’s Jack Leach and Dom Bess have been inducted as the spin options while star cricketers with the like of Chris Waokes, Dawid Malan and Sam Curran have also been picked in the side.

The upcoming unofficial 4-day game will provide an extra practice to Malan and Cook before they play the 5-match Test series against India starting from August 1.

Among the other cricketers drafted in the Lions, Rory Burns and Ollie Pope have received their maiden Lions calls after following their performances in the County Championship. While Burns and Nick Gubbins could be potential opening partners for Cook, Essex’s James Porter would be utilised in the seam-bowling slot.

At the same time, there are chances that Curran could yet be involved in England's ODI against India on July 17. In that case, the Lions might call for a replacement.

England Lions Squad:

Alastair Cook, Rory Burns, Nick Gubbins, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Matthew Fisher, Jack Leach, Jamie Porter