England all-rounder Chris Woakes is set to return to competitive cricket after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him since January. He has been named in the England Lions squad for two four-day matches against India A, scheduled from May 30 to June 6 at Canterbury and Northampton. These matches will serve as a fitness test for Woakes ahead of England's five-Test series against India starting in June . Woakes, 36, missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to his injury. His inclusion in the Lions squad provides an opportunity to regain match fitness and form. The squad also features promising talents like Rehan Ahmed, Farhan Ahmed, and Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew will captain the side . England Test captain Ben Stokes may also participate in one of the Lions matches, depending on his recovery from a recent injury. Meanwhile, fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the series due to a thumb injury sustained during the IPL . The Lions fixtures are crucial for players like Woakes to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming Test series against India, especially with competition from emerging bowlers such as Sam Cook and Josh Hull.