London, Dec 20 (IANS): Batsman Jonathan Trott, who hasn't played international cricket since November 2013 due to stress-related illness, was Saturday named England Lions captain for their tour of South Africa in January next year, fast-tracking his return to the national team.

The 33-year-old batsman had come home from last winter's Ashes tour after suffering a stress-related illness, reports dailymail.co.uk.

But his success with Warwickshire, where he scored three centuries in the last month of the season, has encouraged him and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to believe he is capable of touring again - and also leading the side.

"Jonathan Trott will captain the four-day side with a captain for the one-day side to be announced at a later date," ECB said.

When originally selected for the squad in October, the South Africa-born Trott had tweeted his delight.

He posted: 'Delighted to be included in Lions trip and looking forward to being part of the England set up again.'

Trott signed a new three-year contract with Warwickshire in October after enjoying a revival in form.

He made a delayed start to the campaign after a recurrence of the illness in April, but found form quickly after making his return for his county.