Steven Mullaney added to Lions squad to face India A

Nottinghamshire captain Steven Mullaney has been drafted into the England Lions squad for the limited-overs leg of their tour of India. He replaces Tom Moores, the Notts wicketkeeper, who has suffered a leg injury that will keep him out for two-to-three weeks.

Mullaney, 32, made his Lions debut last year, during a tri-series involving India A and West Indies A. The allrounder has developed into one of the most reliable white-ball players in the county game, helping Notts to a 50-over and T20 double in 2017 and captaining the North to victory in the 2018 North-South series.

Moores was himself only called up a week ago, having been selected alongside Surrey's Will Jacks as replacements for Joe Clarke and Tom Kohler-Cadmore - the two former Worcestershire players who were stood down from Lions duty after courtroom revelations during the trial of Alex Hepburn about their alleged behaviour.

"I'm obviously gutted for Tom," Mullaney said. "He put in great performances for us last season and deserved his place on the tour. He comes home knowing he's in the thoughts of the selectors ahead of the new season, which can only be good for him. For me, it's a chance to go out to India and play some good cricket. I can't wait to get out there now.

"Especially with the 50-over competition starting so early in our season, it should actually be really good preparation for when we get started with Notts. It's a talented squad out there. I'm looking forward to contributing and showing what I can do if selected."

The Lions are due to start a five-match series against India A - who have selected Test stars Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant - in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, followed by two four-day games in February.