​Mark Ramprakash to lead the Lions this summer

Mark Ramprakash is to take over as head coach of the Lions on an interim basis for the matches against India A and West Indies A this summer.

Ramprakash, who will combine the role alongside working with the England senior men’s teams as national lead batting coach, has been assigned to take the reins from Andy Flower following his interim appointment as director of England cricket supporting Andrew Strauss who has taken extended leave for personal reasons.

Andy Flower, said: “With taking on additional day-to-day duties following Andrew’s (Strauss) extended leave, I wanted to ensure the Lions were adequately supported with a high-quality coach, and we believe that Mark Ramprakash is a perfect replacement to lead the team this summer.

“He has already made a significant contribution to our International Pathway through his work with the England senior sides, his involvement with the Young Lions and Lions during winter programmes and his role as coach of the South team in the three-match limited-overs series against the North held in Barbados back in March.

“Mark will work alongside the current Lions management team and where time permits, I will be available to assist him and the rest of the coaching staff in what will be an intense test for our young players against strong opposition in the A sides of India and West Indies respectively."

Ramprakash will take charge for the 50-over tri-series tournament starting against India A on Friday June 22 at The 3aaa County Ground, Derby and will be aiming to take the Lions to the final, which will take place at the Kia Oval, London on Monday July 2. This will be followed by a 4-day Test match against India A at Blackfinch New Road, Worcester starting on Monday July 16.

Selection for the Lions Tri-series squad will be announced on June 8.

Ends

Lions 2018 Fixtures:

50-OVER TRI-SERIES

Lions v India A, Friday June 22, The 3aaa County Ground, Derby, (11.00am)

Lions v West Indies A, Saturday June 23, The 3aaa County Ground, Derby, (11.00am)

Lions v India A, Tuesday June 26, Grace Road, Leicester, (11.00am)

Lions v West Indies A, Thursday June 28, The County Ground, Northampton (11.00am)

Tri-series final, Monday July 2, The Kia Oval, Surrey (11.00am)

FOUR-DAY TEST MATCH

Lions v India A, July 16-19, Blackfinch New Road, Worcester (11.00am)