Essex seamer Sam Cook has been called up to the England Lions squad for their two Royal London 50-over internationals against South Africa later this month.
The 24-year-old has been in fine form for Essex this season, claiming 23 LV= Insurance County Championship wickets at an average of 19.78 and playing a big role in Simon Harmer’s side qualifying for the Vitality Blast Quarter-Finals.
England Lions Squad:
Tom Abell (Somerset) (Captain)
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Tom Banton (Somerset) (WK)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Steven Eskinazi (Middlesex)
Sam Hain (Warwickshire)
Adam Hose (Warwickshire)
Benny Howell (Gloucestershire)
Jake Lintott (Warwickshire)
David Payne (Gloucestershire)
George Scrimshaw (Derbyshire)
Will Smeed (Somerset)
Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said:
“It’s always great when we can bring some of our best and highest potential players together, particularly to take on senior international opposition. The two games provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow our depth and assess players’ readiness for England.
“The squad reflects a balance of England’s next best players and some future players of note, as well as high performers from this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.
“With these games coming at the same time as England ODIs versus India and a County Championship round, we’re very appreciative of the collaborative approach of counties, enabling us to field strong teams.”
The first match at Taunton will permit full squad participation to facilitate South Africa Team preparation for the international white-ball programme, but the second match at Worcester will be played as an 11-a-side List-A match.
England Men’s Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the two matches.
England Lions fixtures:
Tuesday 12 July: England v South Africa, Cooper Associates County Ground
Thursday 14 July: England v South Africa, New Road, Worcester
