ALASTAIR Cook is to be given the opportunity to captain England again.

The Essex batsman will captain the England Lions in a one-day triangular tournament against India A and West Indies A.

Cook will captain several players with full England experience, including bowlers Sajid Mahmood and Liam Plunkett, Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara and Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott.

One notable omission was wicketkeeper Matt Prior, with Surrey’s Steven Davies instead handed the gloves.

Prior was first choice behind the stumps in England’s one-day game until being replaced by Craig Kieswetter in the current one-day squad, and had been expected to be named among the second string.

Selector Geoff Miller said: “We have selected a strong squad for what will be a challenging series.

“We will also consider using non playing members of the England one-day squad throughout the Lions series to give them match practice.

“Alastair Cook will have an opportunity to gain further experience as captain after successful spells as captain with both England and England Lions.”

The triangular series runs from June 28 to July 8, while England’s senior side face Australia in five one-day internationals between June 22 and July 3.

Kent veteran Darren Stevens has been named in the Lions squad. The 34-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the 12-man group.

Miller said: “We are pleased to welcome Darren Stevens to the squad, who has been rewarded for his impressive form with Kent this season.”

Stevens has been in excellent touch with the bat this season, hitting 197 against Nottinghamshire in a championship game earlier this month, and also provides Kent another bowling option with his medium pacers in the one-day game.