Steven Mullaney is ‘excited’ to lead the England Lions into battle against India A and the West Indies A later this month.

Nottinghamshire’s skipper will captain the side for four 50-over matches in a Tri-series at the end of June, and his selection comes after a superb start to the 2018 season.

The 31-year-old also took the reins successfully for the North against the South this spring, winning the pre-season series 2-1.

“I’m over the moon to get some recognition after a few good performances this year and probably from the North-South series, so I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I’m delighted about it, and I don’t think it’s overdue because you get what you deserve.

“To be named as Captain is a bit of a shock to be honest, but it’s something I back myself to do well in and hopefully I can carry on doing what I’ve done at Notts, and in the North-South series, and hopefully the lads will enjoy playing under me.

“The feedback I got from the North-South series was that I went down OK as captain with the rest of the lads and the coaches, so it’s an opportunity I’m looking forward to.

“It’s exciting to be playing with some of the best players in the country.”

“It’s exciting to be playing with some of the best players in the country – it looks a really good squad.

“Hopefully now we can put some good performances in and win that series against the West Indies and India.”

Mullaney says it is still up in the air as to who will captain Notts in his absence.

The all-rounder will not be available for two Specsavers County Championship games against Essex and Worcestershire.

He added: “We have had some brief discussions about it but no official decision has yet been made.

“We will see what happens in the Somerset game and then, I would think, make a decision shortly after that.

“To miss two Championship games is disappointing, but you are not going to turn down the opportunity to play for England Lions.”

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