Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have joined Andrew Flintoff’s coaching staff for the England Lions as the team prepares to return to the white-ball competition in Abu Dhabi, according to an ESPN Cricinfo report. The Lions will take on the Pakistan Shaheens in three T20 matches and five 50-over matches, marking their first T20 match since 2018 and a renewed focus on international development after a three-year gap.
The squad announcement comes as the England Lions return to the white-ball stage, having previously relied on the progression of county, franchise and U19 players. Stokes’ inclusion is part of his recovery groin injury sustained during the Asheswhile Moeen Ali continues his transition to coaching after his recent return to domestic cricket with Yorkshire.
Flintoff’s backroom staff for the tour also includes Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, Amar Rashid and Troy Cooley, who bring a mix of experience and expert coaching to the group. This marks the reunion of Stokes and Flintoff, who worked together at Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
Jordan Cox will captain the 16-man T20 squad, with Saqib Mahmood returning from knee surgery. Several members of the squad will be on standby during the concurrent T20 World Cup, providing flexibility to England’s international schedule. James Coles is included after impressing in SA20, alongside Nathan Sowter and Tom Moores.
Dan Mousley will lead the over-50s team which includes James Rew and Matthew Potts. Potts is ready to play after a tough fifth Ashes Test and will be looking to regain his form on this tour. The Lions’ last 50-flight trip came at the start of 2023, underscoring the importance of this renewed plan.
After the Abu Dhabi tour, England Lions will face South Africa A at home and play a warm-up match against Sri Lanka before the white-ball tour in September. These series are intended to build depth and provide a match experience for players on the periphery of a full international selection.
T20 squad: Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox (captain), Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Saqib Mahmood, Ben McKinney, Tom Moores, Dan Mousley, Matt Revis, Will Smeed, Nathan Sowter, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe.
Over-50 squad: Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley (captain), Liam Patterson-White, Matthew Potts, Matt Revis, James Rew, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe, James Wharton.
Matches: February 20, 22 and 24 – three T20s
27 February, 1, 4, 6 and 9 March – five 50-over matches (all Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi).
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Published on:
January 28, 2026
