TWO Somerset youngsters have been called up to the England Lions training squad for an upcoming camp in the UAE.

Shoaib Bashir and James Rew are in the squad of 21-players and will travel to the UAE for a training camp from November 16 to December 7.

The camp aims to understand the depth of England’s pathway whilst providing developmental experiences for high-potential players closely aligned to England’s future needs.

Selection for the camp was conducted in close collaboration with both players and counties, and several players not selected have been encouraged and supported to take up other opportunities overseas to support their individual needs.

England Men’s Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said: “At the end of an enjoyable season and after close dialogue with players and counties, it’s exciting to confirm our group that will travel to Abu Dhabi for a training camp later this year.

“The camp will provide an excellent opportunity for the players to develop their red ball game and allow us to learn more about them as people and players.

“In selecting the group, we’ve carefully considered England’s short and long-term needs in Test cricket, particularly with sub-continent challenges in mind.

“It’s quite a large group and it’s great that we can support player development in this way for what should be a fun camp.”

The coaching and mentoring group accompanying the party will be announced in due course.

The full England Lions Training Group is:

  • Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
  • George Balderson (Lancashire)
  • Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
  • Josh Bohannon (Lancashire)
  • Brydon Carse (Durham)
  • Jack Carson (Sussex)
  • James Coles (Sussex)
  • Josh De Caires (Middlesex)
  • Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire)
  • Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
  • Lyndon James (Nottinghamshire)
  • Tom Lawes (Surrey)
  • Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
  • Callum Parkinson (Durham)
  • Matthew Potts (Durham)
  • Rishi Patel (Leicestershire)
  • Ollie Price (Gloucestershire)
  • James Rew (Somerset)
  • Ollie Robinson (Durham)
  • Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
  • John Turner (Hampshire)