England Lions call-up for Sussex spinner after injury to Matt Parkinson

Lancashire leggie Matt Parkinson has been ruled out of England Lions’ series against Pakistan this winter after a routine scan uncovered a stress fracture in his back.

Parkinson starred for his county in white-ball competitions, topping the wicket-taking charts in the One-Day Cup with 18 and claiming 25 wickets in the Vitality Blast.

The 22-year-old’s place in the tour to the UAE will be filled by Sussex off-spinner Danny Briggs, ending a four-year absence from international cricket.

On the loss of Parkinson, Lions coach Andy Flower said: “It’s a real shame for Matt that he’s forced to miss the tour. He had a fine summer for Lancashire and his selection was just reward for the ability that he’s shown.

“He’s been shut down from bowling and he’ll see a spinal specialist this week as we try to determine the full extent of his injury.

“It does provide an opportunity for Danny to demonstrate what he can do. He’s a proven performer at county level and, like Matt, he had an impressive summer across all forms of the game.”

Briggs joins a squad making preparations for a four-day tour match starting on November 18, followed by five 50-over matches and two T20s.

The spinner’s last appearance for the England senior team came against Australia in 2014, when Stuart Broad’s side lost by 13 runs in Hobart.

England Lions winter schedule

November 18-21: Four-day match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

November 25: First 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

November 27: Second 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

November 29: Third 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 2: Fourth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 5: Fifth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

December 7: First T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 8: Second T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi