Freddie McCann and Josh Tongue have been included in a 16-player squad for England Men’s Lions upcoming tour of Australia in January, while Analyst Kunal Manek will join the backroom staff.

The England A tour features two four-day matches against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane, followed by a First-Class Test against Australia A in Sydney.

It will be McCann’s second tour with the side after three weeks spent in South Africa this month, following a breakthrough season for the Academy graduate. 

The teenager scored two tons in the County Championship - versus Warwickshire and eventual champions Surrey - having equalled the highest ODI score for England U19 earlier in the year.

Tongue, meanwhile, continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in the summer having joined Notts in the winter. 

Elsewhere, experience is provided by Sam Cook, Alex Davies and James Rew, all of whom had commendable recent County Championship campaigns.

The squad will be coached by Andrew Flintoff, supported by Neil Killeen, Richard Dawson and former Nottinghamshire spinner Graeme Swann. Australian batting coach Trent Woodhill has also been brought in as a consultant for the tour.

England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “We have rewarded players who have proven themselves at this level and those with significant potential. 

“Matches and tours of Australia are always important and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This tour allows us to evaluate performances, refine preparation and continue working with some of the best emerging talent in the country.

“I’m delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to competitive cricket. Josh has had a challenging time with injuries but is progressing well and will benefit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. 

“We hope this marks the start of a prosperous and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025."

 

England Men’s Lions Squad:

Sonny Baker (Hampshire)

Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)

Pat Brown (Derbyshire)

James Coles (Sussex)

Sam Cook (Essex)

Alex Davies (Warwickshire)

Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire)

Tom Hartley (Lancashire)

Tom Lawes (Surrey)

Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire)

Ben McKinney (Durham)

James Rew (Somerset)

Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire)

Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)

Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

John Turner (Hampshire)

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