James Taylor has been handed the captaincy for England Lions' forthcoming matches with Sri Lanka A.

The 21-year-old Leicestershire batsman will lead England's second string in a four-day fixture at Scarborough in early August, as well as three one-dayers against the visitors.

Full internationals Ravi Bopara, Craig Kieswetter and Jade Dernbach have all been selected for the Test side, while Joe Root of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire's Alex Hales will make their Lions debuts.

"The England Lions series against Sri Lanka A is an important opportunity for those younger players to gain valuable experience against international opposition and push for further involvement in England programmes this winter," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"The series will also give a chance to press for inclusion in the upcoming NatWest Series against India."

Steven Finn, recently dropped from the full squad, will feature in the limited-overs matches.