Kent captain Sam Billings set to lead England Lions at The Spitfire Ground as they face South Africa's Test team

Kent skipper Sam Billings is set to lead the England Lions at his home ground against South Africa's Test team.

Billings, 31, will captain a side next week which will also include former Kent Academy bowler Ollie Robinson, with the Margate-born man this week named in England’s 14-man squad for the first two Tests of the series alongside Kent's Zak Crawley.

England men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions four-day match against South Africa, starting on Tuesday at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury.

England men's assistant coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed head coach for the match.

Mo Bobat, ECB performance director, said: "We're delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists.

"The squad strongly represents some of the country's current, next best and future England players.

"For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series.

"These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer.

“It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they've gone about their business."

The news comes after Billings signed a new Kent contract last weekend.