LIAM DAWSON has been rewarded for his outstanding 2008 by being fast-tracked into the England Lions squad.

The Hampshire star is currently captaining England U19s on their tour of South Africa, but when that ends on February 3, he will have a short break before joining up with the Lions squad that was named last month for a six-week tour of New Zealand.

Dawson, who is still only 18, became Hampshire’s youngest centurion in only his sixth Championship appearance for the county, against Nottinghamshire at the end of last season.

He will be the youngest player in the 15-man Lions squad, which will be captained by Rob Key and include several other players with international experience, including Ravi Bopara, Sajid Mahmood, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett and Luke Wright.

Read more in today's Daily Echo