YORKSHIRE seamer Matthew Fisher is part of England Lions’ 21-player group travelling to the UAE for a training camp next month.

Having made his England Test debut against the West Indies in Barbados in March 2022, he picked up a stress fracture in his back the following month.

That caused him to miss virtually the whole of last season, and he subsequently slipped down the England pecking order.

But the 25-year-old produced a solid season for Yorkshire in 2023, taking 28 wickets at 28.53, and took five wickets for the Lions against Sri Lanka in February, so has given himself a chance to get back in contention for Test matches.

The UAE training camp, taking place between November 16 and December 7, includes 10 players (George Balderson, Shoaib Bashir, James Coles, Josh De Caires, Tom Lawes, Dan Mousley, Callum Parkinson, Rishi Patel, Ollie Price, John Turner) who are part of a Lions experience for the first time, and will focus on developing their red-ball skills predominantly.

The camp aims to understand the depth of England’s pathway, while providing developmental experiences for high-potential players closely aligned to England’s future needs.

Selection for the camp was conducted in close collaboration with both players and counties, and several players not selected have been encouraged and supported to take up other opportunities overseas to support their individual needs.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Middlesex all-rounder Josh De Caires, the son of former England Test captain Michael Atherton, had a breakthrough year with his county in 2023, and has received an England Lions call-up as a result.Middlesex all-rounder Josh De Caires, the son of former England Test captain Michael Atherton, had a breakthrough year with his county in 2023, and has received an England Lions call-up as a result. (Image: PA.)

England men’s performance director Mo Bobat said: “At the end of an enjoyable season and after close dialogue with players and counties, it’s exciting to confirm our group that will travel to Abu Dhabi for a training camp later this year.

“The camp will provide an excellent opportunity for the players to develop their red ball game and allow us to learn more about them as people and players.

“In selecting the group, we’ve carefully considered England’s short and long-term needs in Test cricket, particularly with sub-continent challenges in mind.

“It’s quite a large group and it’s great that we can support player development in this way for what should be a fun camp.”