Nottinghamshire’s James Taylor, Alex Hales and Harry Gurney will return to international action today, as England Lions face Sri Lanka A in Taunton.
After being handed the Outlaws captaincy in both T20 and 50-over formats, Taylor will also take the reins of the Lions side, a side he has led in the past.
“I’m delighted to be in the England Lions again and especially as the captain,” he said.
“It is a great honour. We’ve got a great side out so it is a great opportunity for us as individuals to show the selectors what we can do against decent opposition in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
“It will be a real good test but a great opportunity to show what we can do, especially with so much international cricket coming up in the future.”
The Lions will face Sri Lanka A and New Zealand A in a triangular series over the next week, and Nottinghamshire’s representatives will be hoping that consistent performances will set them in good stead ahead of discussions over England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Taylor has tasted pressure with the Outlaws this season already, and is relishing the opportunity to improve on the international stage too.
“I as a captain always want to lead from the front and that’s always how I’ve tried to do it,” he said.
“It gives me that added responsibility as captain and that added motivation, not that I need it, to keep improving and working hard for my team.
“It is very stressful, especially when the ball is flying everywhere in Twenty20 and in the 50-over format.
“You have to be alert every second of the day when you are in the field. It does make it more stressful but it is very enjoyable at the same time.”
For coverage of England Lions, follow Trent Bridge on Twitter for live updates through the Triangular Series.
Notts Outlaws return to Royal London One-Day Cup action this weekend, and all tickets for the visit of Surrey on Sunday 10 August have been reduced to £1 in advance. Don't miss out and secure your seats now.