ESSEX’S Daniel Lawrence and Jamie Porter have been named in the 13-man England Lions squad to take on South Africa A in a four-day fixture.

Lawrence and Porter linked up with the Lions squad earlier this month for the Royal London series against South Africa, but they were unable to make an impact as the match was abandoned due to rain.

Now the duo will be looking to carry their impressive form for Essex into the Lions fixture, which will be played at Kent’s Spitfire Ground, later this month.

As a result of their selection, Lawrence and Porter will miss the County Championship clash against Warwickshire.

A separate Lions squad will be named next week for a three-day match against the senior South Africa tourists in Worcester, starting on June 29.

James Whitaker, the National Selector, said: “We have had to delay naming that squad because the game clashes with the Royal London One-Day Cup final, and we will not consider players from the counties who qualify for Lord’s.

“There were other considerations in selecting this squad – as ever, we were mindful of counties who have important fixtures in the County Championship, while four members of the Lions squad who won the Royal London One-Day Series against South Africa A were unavailable after being selected for the full England squad for the T20 internationals against South Africa.

“That 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 under-19s 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.”