London: South African-raised Jonathan Trott has been handed a chance to claim a spot in England's feeble middle order for the Ashes decider at The Oval if he puts in a telling performance against Australia this weekend.

The 28-year-old Warwickshire batsman will play for the England Lions in the two-day match at Canterbury and can make a case to replace the likes of Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell next week at The Oval.

The aggressive right-hander is clearly at the forefront of the English selectors minds, having been named as part of England s 14-man squad for the last Test at Headingley before being omitted from the final eleven.

The former member of the South African U/19 side has scored 910 runs at 82.72 in 12 first class matches this summer.

"The Lions provided strong opposition for Australia in the tour match earlier this summer and this fixture will provide selectors with an opportunity to look at a number of established players who have impressed in county cricket this year," said national selector Geoff Miller.

England Lions: Jamie Dalrymple (capt), Michael Carberry, Stephen Moore, Jonathan Trott, Andrew Gale, Stephen Davies, Liam Plunkett, Chris Woakes, James Harris, Steve Kirby, Gary Keedy.