Dalrymple leads Lions against Aussies
Glamorgan's Jamie Dalrymple will lead an experimental England Lions in the two-day match against Australia this weekend.
Dalrymple is one of only four men to have represented the full England side at any level of cricket to be selected in a shadow side to take on the Australians at Canterbury.
Kent's participation in Twenty20 finals day on Saturday triggered a switch of opposition for the fixture and selection was restricted with none of the 20-over finalists - the others are Sussex, Somerset and Northamptonshire - providing players. That ruled the likes of Kent's Rob Key out of contention.
Selection was limited further by Middlesex's Pro40 contest against Leicestershire taking place on Sunday.
Worcestershire's Stephen Moore, who struck 120 for a strong Lions XI against the Australians in a four-day match last month, features once again in a batting unit which also includes Jonathan Trott, who was in the full England squad for the Headingley Test last week.
Left-handed batsman Andrew Gale, one of few shining lights for Yorkshire this summer, has gained recognition for his 787 first-class runs at 46.29.
Durham's forgotten man Liam Plunkett is among the pace-bowling options, having taken 42 wickets at 22.95 this summer, with Gloucestershire's Steve Kirby, Lancashire veteran spinner Gary Keedy, and young duo Chris Woakes and James Harris completing the attack.
"The Lions have been given an opportunity to take on Australia again this summer following Kent's progress to Twenty20 finals day," said national selector Geoff Miller.
"The Lions provided strong opposition for Australia in the tour match earlier this summer and this fixture will provide the selectors with an opportunity to look at a number of established players who have impressed in county cricket this year."
England Lions team: Jamie Dalrymple (captain, Glamorgan), Michael Carberry (Hampshire), Stephen Moore (Worcestershire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Andrew Gale (Yorkshire), Steven Davies (wicketkeeper, Worcestershire), Liam Plunkett (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), James Harris (Glamorgan), Steve Kirby (Gloucestershire), Gary Keedy (Lancashire).
