DAN Lawrence has missed out on selection for the upcoming England tour of New Zealand.

The exciting youngster had impressed over the winter for the England Lions, captaining them to victory and scoring runs.

Yet, despite England’s 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes Test series, the selectors have decided not to include the Essex batsman in the 16-man touring party.

The only player to be included from the county champions is Alastair Cook, whose unbeaten 244 in Melbourne was one of few bright moments of the Ashes series.

Cook will head out to New Zealand at the start of March, with a two day warm-up match beginning on Wednesday, March 14 against New Zealand A.

The two will play each other again before the first Test begins on Thursday, March 22 at Eden Park, in Auckland.

The second match in Christchurch will begin the following Friday.

Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone has been picked for the first time, along with Durham’s Ben Stokes and Mark Wood, who both return to the squad. They replace Gary Ballance, Jake Ball and Tom Curran, who all miss out after their inclusion in the Ashes tour.

>Essex have confirmed they will host ‘An Evening of Darts’ again this year, with five-times world champion Raymond van Barneveld making the trip to Chelmsford.

A number of other special guests will be present on Tuesday, October 9, with packages available from £130 per person.

For more information visit essexcricket.org.