Durham fast bowler Graham Onions has been called into the England Lions squad for their tour of Sri Lanka, with the first Test starting on 12th February in Kandy.
Onions has been added to the squad due to an injury to fellow Durham fast bowler Mark Wood, who will fly back home this Saturday.
Wood sustained a side injury in the first warm-up fixture in Colombo last week and, after a full medical review with the Lions' medical team in Sri Lanka, it has been decided that he will return to the UK to continue his rehabilitation.
National Selector James Whitaker said: "Mark had a very impressive start to the Lions tour, taking five wickets in the first warm-up match.
"However, having been injured, it is very important that he has every chance of starting the season for Durham in the best possible condition.
"Therefore, we have agreed with Durham that the best course of action is for Mark to return home.
"This presents a good opportunity for Graham to join up with the Lions and play an important role in their series against Sri Lanka.
"We have been monitoring his progress in South Africa, and now this presents him with a chance to impress ahead of the summer international series."
England Lions will play three four-day Test matches against Sri Lanka A in Kandy, Dambulla and Colombo during February and early March.