Dan Lawrence rejoins Desert Vipers during break between India-England Tests

The allrounder, who was called up to the Test squad to replace Harry Brook, will be available for Desert Vipers' final two ILT20 group matches

Elizabeth Botcherby | 08/02/2024 at 10:59

Dan Lawrence has been given permission to rejoin Desert Vipers during the break between England's second and third Tests against India.

The second of five Tests concluded in Vizag on February 5 and with the series not set to resume until February 15, the England squad have headed to Abu Dhabi for a break.

However, while his teammates have left their kit in India and will not be doing "a whole lot of training", according to head coach Brendon McCullum, Lawrence will be available to feature in Desert Vipers' final two ILT20 group matches, against Dubai Capitals (February 9) and Sharjah Warriors (February 11).

Desert Vipers currently sit fifth in the table, two points outside the playoff places.

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^{Lawrence was called up to the Test squad in place of Harry Brook [Stu Forster/Getty Images]}

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^{Lawrence (right) is yet to feature against India [Stu Forster/Getty Images]}

Lawrence, selected as a wildcard signing by the Vipers, was in the UAE for the second edition of the franchise tournament when he was called up to England's Test squad as a replacement for Harry Brook, who was returning home for personal reasons.

Before his departure, the 26-year-old did feature in Vipers' season opener, scoring 19 runs and taking 1 for 12 in a six-wicket defeat against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

He is yet to play in the Test series.

Desert Vipers' director of cricket, Tom Moody, said: "We are delighted to welcome Dan back to the Vipers and it is something that makes perfect sense for everyone.

"The Vipers are getting a top-class player, someone who can affect the game with bat and ball who has already been part of the Vipers set-up. For his part, Dan is getting the opportunity for some time in the middle and, when he returns to the England fold, they will have a player who will have benefited from playing."

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