Liam Patterson-White is in line for his first taste of senior international honours after being named, alongside Ben Duckett, in the England Lions squad to face South Africa.
The four-day contest will take place at Canterbury starting on Tuesday 9 August, as a precursor to the Proteas’ Test series against England commencing at Lord’s the following week.
Academy graduate all-rounder Patterson-White is currently enjoying his most productive season with the ball having snared 33 Championship wickets at an average of 29. Of all spinners across both divisions of the competition, only Essex’s Simon Harmer has more.
A former under 19 international, Patterson-White debuted in 2019 and has claimed 79 dismissals and four five wicket hauls during his 31 game First-Class career to date.
The 23-year-old has, meanwhile, passed 50 with the bat on seven occasions and posted his maiden century against Somerset last August.
Duckett, who also has eight full international caps, is in line to make his 21st competitive appearance for the Lions, with the latest call-up coming as reward for a prolific campaign that has so far brought 1,159 all-format runs and a First-Class average of 72.
“A first Lions call-up is a big moment for Liam because it’s recognition for a homegrown player and a sign that people are taking notice,” said Nottinghamshire Head Coach Peter Moores.
“He gets a real opportunity to demonstrate his skills and temperament at a different level, in a new and challenging environment – and we’re backing him all the way to show everyone what he can do.
“In Ben’s case, he has played a lot of Lions’ cricket – and had some exposure to the full international game as well – and he’s probably playing as well as he ever has at the present time,” added Moores.
“He’s been making it count by scoring big runs for us this year, and hopefully he can continue to do that against South Africa.
“We pride ourselves on bringing players through our pathway, and also on those who join us later in their careers moving their games forward and getting better.
“Liam and Ben are good respective examples of that and – as is the case throughout our squad – they both have ambitions to carry on that progression and to achieve as much as they can in the game.”
If Patterson-White makes his debut against the Proteas at Canterbury, he will take the number of current Nottinghamshire players capped at Lions or full England level to 12 – with Duckett, Samit Patel, Steven Mullaney, Tom Moores, Haseeb Hameed, Alex Hales, Joe Clarke, Zak Chappell, Matthew Carter, Stuart Broad and Jake Ball completing the list.
The England Lions squad to face South Africa in full is as follows: 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) and Dom Sibley (Warwickshire).
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.
"I would also like to thank The Hundred teams and respective Head Coaches who have enabled the eight players who are playing in the competition the opportunity to play for the Lions. We are grateful for their support."
England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the match.
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