HEAD coach Andy Flower has heaped praise on Calne's Liam Dawson after England Lions - captained by Steeple Ashton's James Vince - clinched a series victory over Pakistan A in Dubai.

The Lions ended their series in the same dramatic manner as the senior England team had last month, as Surrey youngster Tom Curran held his nerve in a Super Over.

Former Warminster School pupil Vince, who made his senior T20 debut for England last month, captained the side who fought back from 2-1 down to take the overall triumph.

Goatacre's Hampshire star Dawson, who was part of the preceeding Performance Programme before linking up with the Lions was one of the stand-out performers, according to Flower.

“ Liam Dawson also had a fine series,'' he said.

“He’s shown a lot of skill as a part-time left-arm spinner, to such an extent that we played him as a full-timer.

"But he’s also an excellent fielder, and he’s a very skilful right-handed batter, and he holds himself well under pressure as well.''

Flower paid tribute to the efforts of the squad led by Vince, adding: “Of the five weeks we’ve been out here, three of those weeks were the training camp, so we had the opportunity for these guys to have time to train their skills, and the understanding of their skills, during a period where there’s no immediate consequence.

“To cap off the competitive leg with a series win against Pakistan A, who were a much more experienced side than us – I think in this last game we had 20 international caps whereas they had 120 –is a great achievement.

“As I said in the team huddle at the end of the game, these young England cricketers will be playing with each other over the next few years with England.

"Obviously not all of them will make it. But without doubt they will draw on some of the relationships that they’ve built on this tour, whether batting together or fielding together or talking tactics, and hopefully they take some of those connections and relationships forward with them to England.''

The Lions return to the UAE for another five-match series against Pakistan A next month, over 50 overs – with the squad to be confirmed just before Christmas.

England selectors also announce the white-ball squads for England’s 50-over and T20 series that follow the Tests in South Africa at that time.