Matthew Hoggard has been named in the England Lions squad for a four-day match against New Zealand.

The Yorkshire bowler is one of 12 players named for the match that begins at the Rose Bowl next Thursday.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “Matthew Hoggard was left out of the last two Test matches in New Zealand but he is a fighter and he will not want to give up his England place easily.

"He has started the season with a strong performance for Yorkshire and this will be another chance for him to show what he is capable of against an international side.”

Kent captain Robert Key will lead the Lions team after scoring an unbeaten century for his county in a tour match against New Zealand this week.

Miller added: “Robert Key enjoyed an excellent season for Kent last year, was recently named in the England Performance Squad and he will bring his experience of leading his county to the captain’s role."

Eight members of the England squad have played for England at Test or one-day international level, including Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett and Luke Wright.

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