By Andy Wilson
England Lions have lost one selection option for the second four-day match against South Africa A which starts in Bloemfontein tomorrow, as Matt Dunn is to return home to Surrey after being ruled out with a groin strain.
Dunn was one of the four players who missed out on the previous two fixtures on the tour – against a Gauteng XI in Soweto and then the drawn first game against South Africa A in Paarl. He suffered the injury in training.
“It’s a shame for Matt because he has impressed everybody in the set-up, both before Christmas in Potchefstroom when he forced his way into the Lions squad, and again since we returned for the tour,” said Lions coach Mark Robinson.
“He has worked really hard, both on his own game and in support of others. It’s been agreed with Surrey that with no option of him playing in Bloemfontein it’s best for him to return to them now, but we will miss having him around.”
The remaining 14 members of the Lions party practised in warm sunshine at Chevrolet Park this afternoon. The squad has been joined by Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire director of cricket who is one of the national selectors.
There will be further additions later in the week with Newell’s Nottinghamshire players Harry Gurney and Samit Patel due in Bloemfontein ahead of the start of a five-match one-day series against South Africa A next Sunday.
Lancashire’s Stephen Parry, Surrey’s Jason Roy and Durham’s Ben Stokes, who have all been playing in the Big Bash League in Australia, will complete the one-day squad.
South Africa A have drafted in two players who played for the Proteas in the recent T20 series against West Indies for the four-day game.
Justin Ontong, the veteran Cape Cobras all-rounder, will take over the captaincy from Rory Kleinveldt, and Kagiso Rabada, the teenage fast bowler who made such a stunning impact in last year’s Under-19 World Cup, will boost their pace attack.
Temba Bavuma, a 24-year-old batsman who played in South Africa’s last two Tests versus the Windies, and Reeza Hendricks, an opener who also played in the T20 matches, could also come into their side.
It's squad photo day for #englions at Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein pic.twitter.com/2KWWOrjR7z
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) January 17, 2015