England Lions call-up for Danny Briggs

Sussex’s left-arm spinner Danny Briggs has been called into the England Lions squad for the forthcoming series against Pakistan A in the United Arab Emirates.

Danny will replaces Lancashire leg-spinner Matt Parkinson who has been ruled out of the tour after routine scans found a stress fracture in his back.

Lions head coach, Andy Flower said: “: "It's a real shame for Matt that he's forced to miss the tour. He had a fine summer for Lancashire and his selection was just reward for the ability that he's shown.

"He's been shut down from bowling and he'll see a spinal specialist this week as we try to determine the full extent of his injury.

"It does provide an opportunity for Danny to demonstrate what he can do. He's a proven performer at county level and, like Matt, he had an impressive summer across all forms of the game."

Danny Briggs celebrates a wicket with Jos Buttler during an ODI in 2012

Danny took 57 wickets across all three formats in the summer of 2018, particularly impressing with his control and crucial wickets during Sussex Sharks’ run to the Vitality Blast final.

The 27-year-old’s 18 wickets in the competition were the most by a finger-spinner, the fourth most by a spinner and the 14th most overall. His economy rate of 7.06 runs per over was the fifth best of any bowler delivering at least 20 overs.

In seven matches in the Royal London One-Day Cup, Danny took nine wickets at 4.87 runs per over and in 12 Specsavers County Championship appearance he took 28 wickets – the third highest amongst division two spinners - at an average of 27.28 and an economy rate of 2.73 runs per over.

Briggs last played for the Lions in 2013

The former Hampshire player, who joined Sussex ahead of the 2015 season, has played eight times for England, the last in 2014. He played 24 times for the Lions between 2011 and 2013.

Next month’s Lions tour gets underway with a four-day match starting on Sunday November 18th. That is followed by three 50-over matches and concludes with two T20s, the second of which takes place on Saturday 8th December.

SCHEDULE

November 18-21: Four-day match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

November 25: First 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

November 27: Second 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

November 29: Third 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 2: Fourth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 5: Fifth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai

December 7: First T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi

December 8: Second T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi