TWO Somerset cricketers have been named in the 15-player England Lions squad which will fly to India in early January for a month-long red-ball tour.

James Rew and Kasey Aldridge will take part in the Lions tour that coincides with the start of England Men’s five-match Test series.

Lancashire batter, Josh Bohannon will captain the squad after leading the County Championship run-scoring last summer with 1257 at an average of 59.85 with four centuries.

The Lions will be based in Ahmedabad for the whole tour and are scheduled to play India A in three four-day matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The tour begins with a two-day warm-up match against India A.

England Men’s Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said: “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. 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.”

The squad: 

  • Josh Bohannon (Lancashire – captain)
  • Kasey Aldridge (Somerset)
  • Brydon Carse (Durham)
  • Jack Carson (Sussex)
  • James Coles (Sussex)
  • Matt Fisher (Yorkshire)
  • Keaton Jennings (Lancashire)
  • Tom Lawes (Surrey)
  • Alex Lees (Durham)
  • Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
  • Callum Parkinson (Durham)
  • Matt Potts (Durham)
  • Ollie Price (Gloucestershire)
  • James Rew (Somerset)
  • Ollie Robinson (Durham)