Crocombe and Stanley named in England Lions pace bowler squad for South Africa A series 2026

England Lions squad includes emerging pace bowlers Crocombe and Stanley for two four-day matches against South Africa A in May 2026.

Lions squad selection Henry Crocombe and Mitchell Stanley have been included in England's Lions squad for two four-day matches against South Africa A later this month. Sussex seamer Crocombe was specifically mentioned as a player under observation by director of cricket Rob Key when England finalized their squad for the first Test against New Zealand earlier in the week. Lancashire's Stanley, despite having played only five first-class games, has earned high praise from the leadership group, including Lions coach Andrew Flintoff. Crocombe, aged 24, had secured 19 County Championship wickets before the current round of matches began on Friday. ## Fixture details and bowling evolution The two matches against South Africa A are scheduled at Arundel on May 22 and Beckenham on May 29. England's pace attack is undergoing significant changes following the Ashes disappointment and the retirements of Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Chris Woakes within a short span. Ollie Robinson's international return has been confirmed with his inclusion in the first Test against New Zealand, while uncapped Hampshire pacer Sonny Baker has also been called up. Brydon Carse remains unavailable due to injury, and Jofra Archer will miss the series after participating in the Indian Premier League. ## Lions squad breakdown The full England Lions squad for the South Africa A series includes Dan Mousley (captain), Charlie Allison (Essex), Henry Crocombe (only in the second four-day match), Eddie Jack, Ben Geddes, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Tom Lawes, Alfie Ogborne (only in the first four-day match), Liam Patterson-White, James Sales, Naavya Sharma, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe, and James Wharton. Hampshire's Eddie Jack and Surrey's Tom Lawes, both seam bowlers who toured Australia over winter and hold England development contracts, are also part of the squad. ## Emerging pace prospects Alfie Ogborne of Somerset, aged 22, and Naavya Sharma, a 20-year-old from Middlesex, are identified as promising pace bowlers within the Lions group. The squad also features Warwickshire's Dan Mousley, who will lead the team, along with openers Ben McKinney and Asa Tribe. McKinney and Tribe were previously considered potential candidates to replace Zak Crawley for England before Crawley's spot went to McKinney's Durham teammate, Emilio Gay. ## Coaching and future plans Andrew Flintoff will coach the Lions, with reports indicating he is set to become head coach of Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League. The Thunder role will be Flintoff's first overseas franchise position following two seasons leading Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. The former England all-rounder had a brief stint with Brisbane Heat at the end of his playing career. Flintoff has been in charge of the Lions since 2024, initially on a one-year deal that was extended to early 2027 last year without an official announcement. ## Potential timeline conflict If Flintoff takes the Sydney Thunder role, he may miss the conclusion of the Lions' tour to South Africa scheduled for December. England's men's cricket team will continue to field the Lions squad in the meantime.