Carse named in Lions squads, with Test return undecided

England has named Brydon Carse in both of its Lions squads for the South Africa tour, opening a possible route back to the senior Test group while leaving his selection there undecided.

National selector Marcus North said England had discussed Carse’s return with him and officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board, and considered the Lions the right setting for him to re-enter the England environment. Carse has not been selected for an England international since a nightclub incident in Derby in August. He was removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan after the incident.

England plans to bring one or two Lions players into the senior group, North said. Fast bowler Josh Tongue is expected to miss the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin on December 17, because he will be at the birth of his second child. The Lions tour will run alongside the Test series, giving selectors potential cover from its pace-bowling group. Carse is among the candidates, but England has not confirmed a call-up.

The accounts of the Derby incident and its aftermath differ. One report said Carse was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and later released....