The England selectors today named a 15-man squad for the England ‘A’ team’s forthcoming tour of Malaysia and India.
All 14 players originally selected in September for the ECB National Academy’s programme this winter have been included along with the Kent batsman, Ed Smith, who made his Test debut against South Africa last summer.

The tour schedule will see England ‘A’ play three One-Day matches against India ‘A’ as well as participating in India’s first class competition, The Duleep Trophy.
Chairman of Selectors David Graveney said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for England ‘A’ and we are very grateful to the BCCI for allowing the team to compete in India’s main domestic competition.
“Having discussed the composition of the squad with Rod Marsh, it was felt that the squad would benefit from the inclusion of an extra batsman. Ed Smith was unlucky to miss out on selection for the Test squad this winter and a tour of India will give him the ideal opportunity to further complete his development as a player. “

England ‘A’ Squad

1. Kadeer Ali Worcestershire

2. Simon Francis Somerset

3. Alex Gidman (capt) Gloucestershire

4. Simon Jones Glamorgan

5. Shaftab Khalid Worcestershire

6. Michael Lumb Yorkshire (PICTURED)

7. Sajid Mahmood Lancashire

8. Graham Napier Essex

9. Scott Newman Surrey

10. Kevin Pietersen Nottinghamshire

11. Matthew Prior Sussex

12. Bilal Shafayat Nottinghamshire

13. Ed Smith Kent

14. James Tredwell Kent

15. Graham Wagg Warwickshire



Coach: Rod Marsh

Manager: Nigel Laughton

Physiotherapist: Stuart Osbourne


England ‘A’ Tour Itinerary

Mon 26 Jan Depart for Malaysia

Mon 3 Feb Arrive Bangalore

Fri 6 Feb 1-day warm-up Bangalore

Mon 9 Feb 1st 1-day v India ‘A’ Bangalore

Tue 10 Feb 2nd 1-day v India ‘A’ Bangalore

Thu 12 Feb 3rd 1-day v India ‘A’ Chennai

Sat 14 – Tue 17 Feb 4-day warm-up Chennai/Visag

Sat 21 – Tue 24 Feb Duleep Trophy Jalandhar

Fri 27 – Mon 1 March Duleep Trophy Amritsar

Thu 4 – Mon 8 March Duleep Trophy Final Mohali