Josh, a legspinner for Warwickshire, learned of his call up to the one-day squad last week. The former Cambridge MCCU player will line up alongside the likes of Keaton Jennings, whose century on his full England debut against India was one of the few highlights of the recent test series on the subcontinent.
Josh, 25, has already made a name for himself for his country, taking a vital catch in the third Ashes test in the summer of 2015 while on the field as a sub. He has impressed in domestic cricket for Warwickshire this year and recently signed a contract with the club until 2018.
Josh studied Sports Coaching and Physical Education during his time at Anglia Ruskin between 2010 and 2013. He made his debut for the Cambridge MCCU team in 2011, and his performances provided him with a springboard to join Warwickshire in 2014.
Josh said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive the phone call from James Whitaker telling me the news. I can’t wait to get out to Sri Lanka to try and make the most of this opportunity, and hopefully contribute towards a series win and put in some good performances.
“I’m thankful to everyone at Warwickshire CCC and everyone else who has played a part on my journey so far.”
Martin Beaver, Head of Sport and Active Anglia, said: “Josh showed great potential during his time here at Anglia Ruskin and his performances for Warwickshire this year show he is beginning to fulfil this.
“We are thrilled that his hard work and achievements at club level have been recognised with a call up for the England Lions’ one-day squad. England first-team’s experiences this winter in India show the importance of spin on those pitches and Josh will provide that option for the Lions. We are really looking forward to seeing him in action.”
The England Lions is England’s second-tier international cricket team and provides a way of giving promising young cricketers experience of playing across the world and progressing them towards the full England side.
The Cambridge MCCU team is made up of talented student cricketers from Anglia Ruskin and the University of Cambridge, and plays at Fenners cricket ground in the city.
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