England Lions have named pace hopefuls Henry Crocombe and Mitchell Stanley in their squad for two four-day matches against South Africa A. Sussex's Crocombe, 24, had taken 19 wickets in the County Championship before the latest round, catching the eye of director Rob Key. Lancashire's Stanley, 25, has played only five first-class matches yet commands respect from coach Andrew Flintoff and the wider hierarchy.

England's pace-bowling department is rebuilding after the Ashes and retirements of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Chris Woakes. New national selector Marcus North, who left Durham, has drawn praise from head coach Ryan Campbell. Ollie Robinson's two-year exile ended with his Test recall, while uncapped Sonny Baker earned a spot. Flintoff may depart as Lions coach after taking the Sydney Thunder head coach role in the BBL.

Crocombe features in the second match at Beckenham on 29 May, with the first at Arundel on 22 May. Warwickshire's Dan Mousley captains a squad blending development prospects like Alfie Ogbonne and Naavya Sharma with proven seamers Eddie Jack and Tom Lawes. Flintoff's BBL move could see him miss December's South Africa tour despite his contract running to 2027.