Owen Farrell, the former England captain, has missed out on a place in the Lions match-day squad with Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith preferred for a place on the bench, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

Owen Farrell’s curveball call-up by the British and Irish Lions has been welcomed by his new teammates as the former England captain was praised for his high standards and leadership qualities.

Ben Earl linked up with old pal Owen Farrell in Lions camp last week and revealed it has been like the former England skipper has never been away. Farrell was parachuted onto the tour last Friday after Elliot Daly was injured and is on the bench for Saturday's Adelaide clash with a AUNZ Invitational XV.