Woakes to return in England Lions matches

After being chosen for two Lions games against India A, England seamer Chris Woakes will make his return from an ankle injury.

The 36-year-old has been selected in a 15-man squad for the second-string games starting on May 30 and 6 June despite not playing since January.

The squad will be led by Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew, who was just called up for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, while Jordan Cox, who he replaced, was also chosen after recovering from an abdominal injury.

Dan Mousley, a 20-year-old all-rounder, and Seamer Josh Hull, a 20-year veteran, also feature in the group, along with one-day international international Sam Mousley, who made his limited-overs debut against the West Indies in the autumn.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer, who injured his thumb while playing in the Indian Premier League, has not been chosen.

The men’s cricket performance director for the ECB, Ed Barney, described this series as a huge opportunity for an exciting and highly skilled group of players.

As we continue to succession plan for England’s needs, it will give both individuals and as a group the opportunity to excel on the international stage.

India’s five-test tour of England begins on June 20 with two four-day matches against India A in Canterbury and Northampton.