England have opened the door for Brydon Carse to return to Test cricket by naming him in the Lions squad. The pace bowler could come into the Test team as cover for Josh Tongue, who will miss the opener due to his second child's birth.
Carse has not played for England since being arrested outside a nightclub in August, but has continued to play for Durham and remained available for selection. However, England have previously explained his absence by a need for him to spend time away from international cricket.
England selector Marcus North said: 'The past few months, under investigation, there has been a time where he has stood back, a time of reflection.' He added that Carse is now in a place where he can be reintroduced into the England environment and that the Lions squad is the right place for him to start.