The ECB have named a 15-strong England Lions squad to take on India A in an unofficial three-Test series, to run alongside England’s tour of the country.
The second-string side will play a two-day warm-up starting on January 12 before playing three back-to-back four-day games between January 17 and February 4. All games will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Lancashire’s Josh Bohannon will lead the group, which is markedly stronger than the inexperienced group that travelled to the UAE in November for a training camp. Four of the group – Alex Lees, Keaton Jennings, Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher – have played Test cricket.
There is a strong Durham contingent, with the Division Two champions embracing a Bazball-style of play in the 2023 County Championship. Along with Lees and Potts, Brydon Carse, wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson, and Callum Parkinson, who has joined the club from Leicestershire, are all part of the squad.
Carse’s presence is notable as a player who would otherwise be likely to attract attention on the franchise circuit, with Surrey trio Dan Lawrence, Will Jacks and Jamie Smith among the Test prospects likely to be in action elsewhere.
Somerset’s Kasey Aldridge is the one lesser-known addition to the group that toured the UAE. The 22-year-old right-arm seamer has taken 39 first-class wickets at an average of 40, but is rated for his height, standing at six feet four inches tall.
“Playing a series in India at any level is a challenge to get excited about, it’s one of the truest tests for any cricketer,” said England men’s performance director Mo Bobat. “It’s great that our Lions team can experience that challenge and have the opportunity to showcase their skills in those conditions. The squad has a strong core of players in it that were out in Abu Dhabi recently for the training camp, with some of those players already selected into the Test squad. There’s also a return for some more experienced players which aligns with supporting England’s more immediate needs.”
England Lions squad to tour India: Josh Bohannon (c), Ollie Robinson, Alex Lees, Matthew Potts, Matthew Fisher, Brydon Carse, Keaton Jennings, Callum Parkinson, Ollie Price, James Coles, Kasey Aldridge, Jack Carson, Tom Lawes, Dan Mousley, James Rew.
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