Teenage Rew and Lawrence handed England Lions captaincy roles for Caribbean tour

London, 16 October 2026: England’s next generation will have an opportunity to press their international claims after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named two white-ball squads for next month’s Lions tour of the Caribbean.

Somerset’s 18-year-old Thomas Rew will captain the T20 side, while Surrey batter Dan Lawrence takes charge of the 50-over squad, with both players leading the Lions for the first time.

The eight-match tour against West Indies A, beginning November 1 in St Kitts and Nevis, represents another significant step in England's efforts to develop international-ready talent.

Rew’s appointment follows an impressive rise through the England pathway, having captained the Young Lions to the ICC U19 World Cup final earlier this year.

The teenager has also earned a senior England call-up for the upcoming T20 series against Australia, highlighting his growing importance in England’s white-ball plans.

Rew, Eddie Jack and James Coles will join the senior squad in Australia following the Lions’ third 50-over fixture on November 11.

The selections also reflect England’s recently expanded central contract structure, with nine contracted players featuring across the two squads.

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, seamer Sam Cook and Lawrence hold full central contracts, while several emerging players have secured development deals.

Worcestershire fast bowler Adam Finch is the only player yet to represent the Lions.

Head coach Jonathan Trott, overseeing his first Caribbean tour in the role, has emphasised the importance of developing players capable of transitioning into international cricket.

The Lions will contest three T20 matches from November 1-4 at Conaree Sports Club, followed by five 50-over fixtures from November 7-16 across Warner Park and Conaree.

Beyond results, the tour will provide selectors with another opportunity to assess England’s emerging talent ahead of future international assignments.

England Lions T20 squad (14 players): Thomas Rew (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Scott Currie, Adam Finch, Calvin Harrison, Jack Haynes, Eddie Jack, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, James Rew, Naavya Sharma, Ekansh Singh and Asa Tribe

England 50-over squad (17 players): Dan Lawrence (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Coles, Sam Cook, Mason Crane, Adam Finch, Jack Haynes, Eddie Jack, Ben Kellaway, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, James Rew, Thomas Rew, Naavya Sharma, Ekansh Singh and Asa Tribe

England Lions v West Indies A schedule (all timings are local):

1st T20: Sunday 1 November, Conaree Sports Club, St Kitts & Nevis – 9.30am

2nd T20: Tuesday 3 November, Conaree Sports Club, St Kitts & Nevis – 9.30am

3rd T20: Wednesday 4 November, Conaree Sports Club, St Kitts & Nevis – 9.30am

1st One-Day: Saturday 7 November, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis – 2pm

2nd One-Day: Monday 9 November, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis – 2pm

3rd One-Day: Wednesday 11 November, Conaree Sports Club, St Kitts & Nevis – 9.30am

4th One-Day: Saturday 14 November, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis – 2pm

5th One-Day: Monday 16 November, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis – 2pm