England have called up uncapped left-arm finger spinner Liam Patterson-White for the winter three-Test series in South Africa. Shoaib Bashir has dropped to the Lions squad. All-rounder Patterson-White helped Nottinghamshire win the Championship title in 2025, taking 26 wickets and scoring 540 runs in 11 appearances, then claimed 42 wickets and 474 runs last season.
Jacob Bethell returns after missing Pakistan Tests due to knee surgery. Jordan Cox deputised for Bethell at No 3 versus Pakistan, scoring a half-century in each Test. A selection dilemma exists between Cox, Bethell, Emilio Gay and Dan Lawrence for three spots.
If opener Gay is omitted, Cox or Bethell could partner Ben Duckett at the top. Dan Lawrence was recalled as chief spinner with an all-pace attack. England Men's national selector Marcus North praised Patterson-White's strong summer in the County Championship.
Josh Tongue is unavailable for the first Test for the birth of his first child. Sam Curran is unavailable as he prioritises his wedding. Brydon Carse is in the Lions squad and may be drafted into the playing group.
Stephen Fleming begins as head coach for the tour live on Sky Sports across December and January.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing