Matt Coles has been rewarded for excellent early season form for Kent with a call-up to the England Lions squad.

Named in the 12-man party to take on the West Indies in the touring side’s first warm up match, Coles’ inclusion comes after picking up 19 wickets in his first three county championship games of the season, and another four in the first innings of Kent’s fourth game at home to Yorkshire.

In addition to this, the Maidstone-born player also made his maiden first class century – 103 not out – in Kent’s opening game of their campaign, away at Yorkshire.

Speaking about his call-up, Coles said: “It is a tremendous honour to be selected for the Lions squad. I know I have a lot of hard work to do, but I am looking forward to being involved fully in the set up after having had some experience in the winter.”

“My first priority at the moment is to concentrate on the job I have to do in the current game.”

National Selector, Geoff Miller, said: “West Indies will no doubt be challenging opposition and this fixture will present an opportunity for players to show that they are capable of taking the next step and representing England at Test level in the future.”

The game with the West Indies will be a four-day match at Northampton, starting on May 10.

Coles is now likely to miss Kent’s county championship game away at Essex, starting the day before.

England Lions squad to face the West Indies: Taylor (C), Bairstow, Brooks, Carberry, Coles, Compton, Dernbach, Kerrigan, Meaker, Pater, Root, Stokes.

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