Dom Sibley has withdrawn from the England Lions tour of Australia.
The opening batter had been selected in the 14-man party to tour alongside the Ashes squad this winter but has instead made a decision to pull out in a bid to improve his batting and force his way back into England’s starting line-up.
Sibley was dropped from the England set-up following the defeat to India at Lord’s back in August.
And the 26-year-old is keen to focus on adjustments to his technique to bring back the form that originally earned him a call-up for England, for whom he has played in 22 Tests to date.
In a statement, England said: “After much thought and consideration, Warwickshire better Dom Sibley has made the decision not to tour Australia with the England Lions. Sibley has decided to spend the winter working on his batting at home in a bid to regain England selection.”
Sibley’s place in the Lions squad has been taken by Yorkshire’s Harry Brook ahead of the tour, which begins on November 4.
The Lions camp will run alongside that of England’s Ashes Touring party and will play two intra-squad matches – one three-day and one four-day match – as well as a game against Australia A. The touring party will return home on December 16.
