Joining Crocombe and Stanley in the Lions are Hampshire’s Eddie Jack and Surrey’s Tom Lawes, both seamers who were on tour in Australia over the winter and have England development contracts.

Somerset left-armer Alfie Ogbonne, 22, and Middlesex 20-year-old Naavya Sharma are other pace-bowling prospects in the Lions group.

Warwickshire’s Dan Mousley will captain the squad that includes openers Ben McKinney and Asa Tribe. The two men were touted as possible replacements for Zak Crawley in the England team before his spot went to McKinney’s Durham team-mate Emilio Gay.

Flintoff will lead the Lions, with confirmation soon expected that the former England all-rounder will become head coach of Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League.

The Thunder role will be Flintoff’s first overseas franchise job following two seasons in charge of Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. The 48-year-old had a short spell in the BBL with Brisbane Heat at the end of his playing career.

Flintoff has been in charge of the Lions since 2024, initially on a one-year contract. His deal was extended to the beginning of 2027 last year without an official announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

If Flintoff does take charge of the Thunder, he is likely to miss the end of the Lions’ tour to South Africa in December.