Overview

• England confirmed an 18-player Lions group with six internationals, including leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and fast bowler Sonny Baker.
• The Lions will face Ben Stokes' Test side in a three-day match in Perth a week before the first Ashes Test, then play a Cricket Australia XI, a Prime Minister's XI and Australia A.
• The tour runs through Perth, Canberra and Brisbane and concludes on 8 December, the final day of the second Ashes Test.
• Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox returns after injuries that stalled a likely Test debut, offering immediate cover for the Ashes squad.
• Andrew Flintoff coaches a youthful party featuring first-time call-ups such as 17-year-old Thomas Rew, ambidextrous spinner Ben Kellaway and seamer Mitchell Stanley.