Surrey’s Stoneman makes the step up as Lions call

MARK Stoneman has received a first Lions call-up, being named in the 13-man squad for their four-day clash against South Africa A.

Opener Stoneman made the move from Durham to Surrey over the winter and has already amassed over 600 runs in the County Championship this season, including 197 against Essex at Guildford.

Stoneman, 29, is joined in the squad by England Test pair Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hameed for the clash at Canterbury from June 21.

Stoneman said:“The lads in the winter who played did quite well. I imagine they’re still at the front of the selectors’ thoughts.

“But I’ve got to be scoring as many runs as I can to be there in the background if they don’t play well or the selectors decide they want to go in a different direction.

“I’ve just got to make sure my game is in good order and push for an opportunity.”

Somerset off-spinner Dominic Bess has also received his first Lions call-up and is joined in the squad by Taunton teammates Jamie Overton and Jack Leach.

National selector James Whitaker added: “This is a good message for all these Lions players, showing them the opportunity they now have to impress."

“It’s good to see a number of players in this squad who have come through the England U19s environment and started to make an impact in county cricket.

“The Lions is another step up for them, and there is a balance with some more experienced players which we believe creates an exciting squad.” ENGLAND LIONS SQUAD TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA A AT CANTERBURY (JUNE 21-24): Keaton Jennings (Durham, capt), Mark Stoneman (Surrey), Haseeb Hameed (Lancashire), Nick Gubbins (Middlesex), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Ben Foakes (Surrey, wk), Sam Curran (Surrey), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Tom Helm (Middlesex), Jamie Porter (Essex), George Garton (Sussex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dominic Bess (Somerset)