Head Coach Chris Silverwood and Vice-captain Tom Westley headed off to Sri Lanka yesterday afternoon on England Lions duty.
Westley has been included in a 15-man squad for the first section, which is due to include two four-day matches against Sri Lanka A.
Having impressed out in Dubai before Christmas finishing the series with 84 in the match against Afghanistan, Westley has a further opportunity to impress the England selectors and put his name in the hat for potential Test match honours.
Westley spoke to Essex TV prior to his departure and said: “I am a big believer in going out and playing cricket in different environments to improve yourself as a cricketer. Last winter I really felt the benefits of being involved with the Lions and hopefully this tour to Sri Lanka will have a similar impact.
“Testing myself in sub-continent conditions will be exciting and hopefully we can build on some of the work we put in out in Dubai before Christmas.”
The 27-year-old will be joined on the tour by current Essex Head Coach Chris Silverwood who will take a role on the coaching staff in the sub-continent.
Silverwood is highly regarded both as a former player and Coach and will head to Sri Lanka to support the squad, specifically the vast selection of young bowlers in the squad.
