Sam Conners has been called up to the England Lions squad for their four-day warm-up fixture against South Africa next week.
The Cricket Derbyshire Academy, in partnership with the University of Derby, graduate has previously played for England at Under 19s level and could now make his Lions debut against a strong South Africa side.
A home-grown prospect, Conners has taken 91 all-formats wickets and is Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker this season with 48 dismissals across the LV= County Championship, Royal London Cup and Vitality Blast.
Conners, 23, made his Derbyshire debut in 2019 and quickly drew praise from England’s James Anderson after an impressive showing on his maiden Championship appearance against Lancashire. He has gone on to become a mainstay in the Derbyshire attack, under Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, and will now have the opportunity to test his skills on the international stage.
The promising quick is the second Derbyshire player to earn Lions recognition this season, with fast bowler George Scrimshaw earning a call-up to face South Africa in 50-over action last month.
The fixture will see South Africa warm up for their upcoming Test series against England, and will take place at Canterbury on Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 August.
Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said:
“We are delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists. The squad strongly represents some of the country’s current, next best and future England players. For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series.
“These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer. It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they’ve gone about their business.”
England Lions squad versus South Africa:
Sam Billings (Kent), Captain
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Sam Conners (Derbyshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Will Jacks (Surrey)
Keaton Jennings (Lancashire)
Dan Lawrence (Essex)
Craig Overton (Somerset)
Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire)
James Rew (Somerset)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Dom Sibley (Warwickshire)
One-day cricket is back in the height of summer!
Derbyshire compete in enthralling 50-over cricket this August, including the visit of Yorkshire to Queen’s Park. Find out more and book tickets for all home matches now.
