Strauss to lead England Lions

Andrew Strauss has a chance to find some form ahead of the Test series against India © Getty Images

Andrew Strauss has been named captain of a strong England Lions side to take on the Indians at Chelmsford ahead of the first Test. He will have a useful pace attack at his disposal, including Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett and Graham Onions while Warwickshire wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose has been rewarded for his fine season with the gloves ahead of Paul Nixon.

Strauss was dropped from the one-day side for the series against West Indies after a poor run of form continued with one half-century in the Test series. After some time away he returned to Middlesex colours for their final two Twenty20 group matches, but fell for two second-ball ducks. Middlesex don't have a Championship match in the week of the Lions game so the match offers Strauss more valuable time in the middle and a chance to scout the Indians.

"Andrew Strauss will captain the England Lions side in what should be a closely fought match against the touring Indian team," said chairman of selectors David Graveney. "I know Andrew is delighted to be captaining the side and excited by the prospect of taking a look at India prior to the first Test.

"The team selection recognises those players that have performed well in the Country Championship and this match presents a great opportunity to impress the selectors. We've selected a strong side to ensure the touring team is well and truly tested ahead of the upcoming Test Series."

Owais Shah and Jonathan Trott, who were part of the one-day squad, are included and Ravi Bopara has a chance to make up for some lost time after his thigh injury forced him to miss the limited overs matches.

Meanwhile, Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior have been rested from all county matches ahead of the first Test.

Lions XI Andrew Strauss (capt), Joe Denly, Owais Shah, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara, Tim Ambrose (wk), Adil Rashid, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett, Graham Onions