England clear way for Carse return and drop Bashir

England have named Brydon Carse in the Lions squad for their South Africa tour, making him a possible cover option for the Test team if Josh Tongue is unavailable. The move signals Carse’s return to the England environment after several months away following a police investigation and a separate Cricket Regulator charge.

England’s 15-man squad for the three Tests, starting in Johannesburg on 17 December, includes uncapped spinner Liam Patterson-White in place of Shoaib Bashir. Tongue is set to miss the first Test for the birth of his second child, while his toe injury could also affect his availability. Carse will compete with other Lions seamers for cover; England expect to add one or two players to the senior squad. Jacob Bethell also returns after a knee injury, and Sam Curran was not considered because he is getting married.