CRAIG Overton and James Rew have been named in the 13-player squad for England Lions four-day match against South Africa starting on August 9th at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury.

It is exciting news for the youngster Rew, who since stepping up to the first team at Somerset has shown his ability.

It has really been a season of growth for the wicketkeeper batsman.

Mo Bobat, ECB performance director, said: “We are delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists. The squad strongly represents some of the country’s current, next best and future England players. For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series.

“These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer. It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they’ve gone about their business.

England Men’s Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the match.

The full squad is:

  • Sam Billings (Kent), Captain
  • Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
  • Sam Cook (Essex)
  • Sam Conners (Derbyshire)
  • Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
  • Will Jacks (Surrey)
  • Keaton Jennings (Lancashire)
  • Dan Lawrence (Essex)
  • Craig Overton (Somerset)
  • Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire)
  • James Rew (Somerset)
  • Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
  • Dom Sibley (Warwickshire)