Kent stars Darren Stevens and James Tredwell have been called up to the England Lions squad for the forthcoming triangular one-day series with India A and West Indies A later this month.

Stevens (pictured) has excelled in all forms of the game this season and has been awarded his first call-up at the age of 33 while Tredwell returns to the fold after being called into the England Test and one-day squads during the winter before making debuts in both forms of the game in Bangladesh in March.

The duo will miss Kent's tour match against Pakistan at Canterbury on Monday, June 28, the Friends Provident t20 games against Hampshire and Gloucerstershire at the St Lawrence Ground on Friday, July 2 and Sunday, July 4.

They will also be unavailable for the LV= County Championship Division 1 clash with Hampshire at the Rose Bowl which starts on Monday, July 5, though they should be back for the T20 game against Essex at the Oval on Friday, July 9.

Despite the news that Kent's already injury-hit squad will be further weakened by the loss of two key players during an important run of games, captain Rob Key said: "This is well-deserved for Darren because he is a quality player.

"Hopefully a place in the Lions squad will be a quick stepping-stone for him because I feel he deserves to be in the full England squad."

ECB National Selector Geoff Miller said: "This triangular series presents the England Lions squad with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in the one-day format and challenge for a place in the senior side.

"We are pleased to welcome Darren Stevens to the squad who has been rewarded for his impressive form with Kent this season.”

FIXTURES

Monday, June 28 India A v West Indies A, Northampton

Tuesday, June 29 England Lions v West Indies A, Northampton

Thursday, July 1 England Lions v India A, Leicester

Friday, July 2 India A v West Indies A, Leicester

Sunday, July 4 England Lions v West Indies A, Worcester

Tuesday, July 6 England Lions v India A, Worcester

Thursday, July 8 Final, Worcester

Do you think Stevens deserves his call-up? How much will Kent miss the pair? Have your say below.