The newly-branded Scotland Lions squad, previously and prosaically known as Scotland A, roar into an action-packed summer schedule next week with the first of this year’s matches in the English county 2nd XI Championship.

The Scotland Lions travel to Trent Bridge to challenge Nottinghamshire in a two-innings match over three days, beginning on Tuesday (May 20).

Last season, when the Scots took part in this championship for the first time, they lost to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire before defeating Lancashire and giving Yorkshire a fright, ending their six-match season with one win and a draw.

This season, in addition to County 2nd XI matches against the same teams (including Durham and Leicestershire), the Lions will also represent Scotland in the inaugural European A-team Championships in August, and have a friendly against the Star Club of India also scheduled in July.

The initial squad selected is: Dougie Lockhart (captain), Gordon Goudie (both West of Scotland); Stuart Murray, Majid Haq (Ferguslie); Qasim Sheikh, Zeeshan Bashir (Clydesdale); Ryan Flannigan (Watsonians); Richie Berrington (Greenock); Giles Holmes, Simon Smith (Grange); Scott Redhead (Durham Academy); William Rowan (Prestwick).

Scotland Lions coach Andy Tennant said: "There are a number of other players in the frame who are unavailable for this first match, and we are fortunate that there is so much competition for places in the Lions squad.

"Our aim this year is to build and improve on our experience of last, and prepare strongly for the European event at the end of the season."