Kent opening batsman Zak Crawley has been rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to the England Lions squad.

He marks one of four in line to make their Lions debuts against Australia A in a four-day match at Canterbury's Spitfire Ground starting Sunday, July 14.

Crawley's involvement means he is set to be absent for Kent when they travel to face Hampshire in the Specsavers County Championship the same weekend.

The 21-year-old currently leads Kent on 639 runs at an average of 42.60 from 15 innings in Division 1 so far this season, including three half-centuries and a brace of tons.

His latest century arrived against Nottinghamshire at Tunbridge Wells as he struck a season-best 111 to help Kent towards a 285-run victory.

• Women's Ashes 2019: Kent captain Tammy Beaumont poised for special Canterbury appearance

Lions head coach Andy Flower said: "Lions selection is always tricky. We've got an eye on the England team's short-term needs ahead of a busy winter schedule, but we're looking at some medium- and long-term prospects as well. We also need to respect the counties' needs during this busy time in the domestic season.

"While some players will be playing at this level for the first time, there is plenty of experience in our squad too. This will be a great learning opportunity for all these players and a chance to test themselves against a strong opposition."

England Lions squad: James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Jack Leach (Somerset), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Sam Northeast (Hampshire), Jamie Porter (Essex), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire).

Read more: All the latest Kent sport news