SOMERSET duo Jack Leach and Craig Overton have both been named in the England Lions squad for the tour of Sri Lanka next February and March, writes Richard Walsh.

Overton has been included in both the four-day and one-day squads while Leach is in just the four-day squad.

Both have just returned from a successful time in Dubai with the England Lions during which they won a three-match one-day series against Abu Dhabi and a four-day game against Afghanistan.

Following his selection Craig said: "The tour that we got back from yesterday was good and I was pleased to be able to put in some decent performances.

"Obviously I did something right and I'm really looking forward to going out to Sri Lanka now.

"Hopefully I can push for a place in the four-day team and keep my place in the one-day team.

"It's really nice to be in both squads and hopefully I can push on from here.

"I'm pleased that Jack will be there too. He's done really well for us in the four-day stuff and it's nice that he's getting recognition for that."

Leach, who was the leading spin bowler in England last summer with 68 first class wickets, said: "I’m really pleased to be in the four-day squad and it’ll be more good experience for me.

"Hopefully it will be a chance for me to win some more games with the Lions and put in some good individual performances.

“I’m taking everything one step at a time and taking as much as I can from each experience.

"It’s great for Craig that he is in both squads. I’m so pleased for him.

"He’s done really well and impressed everyone on the last tour. He’s bowling well and got some crucial runs too.

"I’m sure he’ll play a big part for the Lions in Sri Lanka."

James Whitaker, the national selector who watched the Lions beat Afghanistan in a historic first-class match in Abu Dhabi, in which both Leach and Overton played their part last week, said: “The Lions play such an important role in bridging the gap between county and international cricket.

"After a successful training camp in the UAE culminating in an excellent win against Afghanistan, this tour of Sri Lanka is a great opportunity for the players to gain experience of playing on the subcontinent.”