England Lions Squad Updated: Zaman Akhter, Crocombe, Holden In for India A Match

Zaman Akhter, Crocombe, and Holden Called into England Lions Squad for India A Clash

Summary
England’s depth bench continues to evolve as Zaman Akhter, Henry Crocombe, and Max Holden have been drafted into the England Lions squad for the upcoming four-day fixture against India Men A in Canterbury. The call-ups come in the wake of injuries and planned rest periods, with Sonny Baker ruled out, Chris Woakes resting ahead of the second match, and George Hill withdrawing from the squad. The highly anticipated series offers a golden platform for young talent to showcase their red-ball credentials in front of selectors, with matches streamed live on ecb.co.uk and the England Cricket app.

A Timely Opportunity for England’s Next Gen

As England’s cricketing pipeline continues to nurture the next wave of international stars, the inclusion of Zaman Akhter, Henry Crocombe, and Max Holden in the England Lions squad signals a critical juncture in their respective careers. With the first match of the Lions vs India Men A series scheduled to begin this Friday in Canterbury, the additions not only balance out squad composition but also inject a fresh layer of energy into the lineup.

Each of these players has impressed in the County Championship 2025, prompting the England selectors to provide them with exposure at the A-team level—often the final proving ground before full England caps.

Zaman Akhter: Gloucestershire’s Rising Seamer Gets a Big Break

Zaman Akhter, the 22-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler from Gloucestershire, has been turning heads with his relentless line and length this season. A product of the university cricket system and having made his first-class debut in 2023, Akhter has since matured into a dependable bowler for his county.

In the 2025 domestic red-ball circuit, he has taken over 20 wickets at an average below 25, often delivering under pressure with the new ball. His control, coupled with his ability to swing the ball in English conditions, made his selection a logical step as Sonny Baker recovers from injury.

For Akhter, this is not just a replacement gig. It’s an audition for future England honours.

Henry Crocombe: Sussex Pacer Brings Bounce and Discipline

Henry Crocombe, 23, has been a steady performer for Sussex, known for his high release and natural bounce off the deck. In a season that has seen Sussex rise through the Division Two standings, Crocombe has been instrumental with the ball, offering discipline, pace, and a smart cricketing brain.

Having represented England Under-19s in the past, Crocombe’s call-up has long been anticipated. With Chris Woakes resting ahead of the second Lions fixture in Northampton, Crocombe will likely share new-ball duties in Canterbury. His consistent economy rate and ability to extract seam movement align well with England’s red-ball bowling philosophy.

This call-up allows him to match wits with India’s up-and-coming batters—a challenge he’s well-equipped to handle.

Max Holden: Middlesex Veteran Brings Red-Ball Grit

At 27, Max Holden is no stranger to the demands of first-class cricket. The Middlesex top-order batter has long been considered a technically sound player in red-ball cricket, with multiple County Championship hundreds to his name. His selection comes after George Hill’s withdrawal and is rooted in a broader strategy to stabilise the top order with experience.

In 2025, Holden has notched over 500 runs already, including a gritty 143 against Warwickshire on a testing pitch at Lord’s. His inclusion in the Lions squad is seen as both a reward for consistent performances and a strategic move to reinforce batting against a probing India A bowling attack.

Holden’s ability to absorb pressure and rotate strike will be invaluable in a four-day format that rewards resilience over flair.

England Lions vs India A: What’s at Stake?

These four-day matches offer far more than just a tick in the schedule. With England and India both investing heavily in their A-team structures, these fixtures act as a testbed for identifying players ready for the pressures of international cricket.

India A’s touring squad is expected to include highly rated names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, making this a high-quality encounter. For England, these games are the closest simulation to Test cricket outside of the actual thing.

With the World Test Championship in full swing and retirements looming for some senior players, performances in the Lions series could dictate selections for England’s upcoming winter tours. A standout showing here could be the key that unlocks a long-term England cap.

Live Streaming: Access for the Fans

For fans and talent scouts alike, accessibility to these games is crucial. The ECB has confirmed that both fixtures will be exclusively streamed on ecb.co.uk and the England Cricket mobile app, allowing supporters and analysts to keep a close watch on England’s future stars. The broadcast not only bridges the gap between domestic and international visibility but also fosters transparency in selection pathways.