England Lions will be led by Dan Mousley in a three-match red-ball series against South Africa starting in December 2026.
Dan Mousley, who featured in seven England white-ball matches during the Caribbean tour in 2024, has been appointed as captain for the England Lions' upcoming red-ball series in South Africa.
The squad comprises 15 players, including five who toured Australia with the Lions during the previous winter: Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Tom Lawes, Mitchell Staney, and Asa Tribe.
The team also includes seven new selections, such as Essex opener Charlie Allison and Middlesex fast bowler Naavya Sharma.
Somerset's left-arm seamer Alfie Ogborne is included solely for the first match, while Sussex's Henry Crocombe joins for the second fixture.
Ed Barney emphasized the squad's blend of emerging talent and experienced players with Test potential.
The series offers a platform for players to showcase their skills against a top-tier international team.
Many squad members are expected to participate in the Lions' reciprocal tour of South Africa later in the year, which includes a three-match ODI series and two four-day fixtures scheduled between December 1 and December 21.
Barney highlighted the squad's potential to bridge the gap to England's Test side, combining players who toured Australia with fresh faces rewarded for strong performances in the County Championship.
The matches will serve as a critical evaluation stage for those vying for future national team selection.
Dan Mousley (captain), Charlie Allison, Henry Crocombe, Eddie Jack, Ben Geddes, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Tom Lawes, Alfie Ogborne, Liam Patterson-White, James Sales, Naavya Sharma, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe, and James Wharton make up the full England Lions squad for the South Africa series.
Barney stated, 'We have selected an exciting squad that brings together those players that are potentially next in line for England selection, alongside some of the most exciting talent in the game.'
The England Lions are set to face South Africa in a three-match red-ball series, with two four-day games also part of the itinerary.
The tour runs from December 1 to December 21 in 2026.
The overlapping schedule with the Vitality Blast underscores the ECB's prioritization of red-ball cricket following recent Test setbacks.
Players will have the chance to prove their readiness for higher-level competition during the fixtures.
The reciprocal tour will also feature a three-match ODI series, offering additional opportunities for squad members to gain exposure.