After the disappointment of losing the Ashes, England have named their squad for their Women’s World Cup defence in New Zealand, with rookie batter Emma Lamb included.
England travelled to Christchurch today, where they will be subjected to 10 days’ quarantine ahead of the tournament, which begins on March 4, with England facing favourites Australia in their first game in Hamilton they day after. The final is in Christchurch on April 3.
England’s squad is largely as expected, with all 15 players involved in the three defeats to Australia that made up the ODI leg of the multi-format Ashes series.
Lamb made her ODI debut in the last of these games, registering a duck, but makes the squad ahead of Maia Bouchier on account of her ability to bat at the top of the order and in the middle. Spinner Mady Villiers and quick Lauren Bell are named as travelling reserves.
Legspinner Sarah Glenn, who had initially been chosen as a reserve, is not part of the group after deciding not to make herself available for selection.
Explaining her absence, an ECB statement said: “All payers and staff were asked to opt into the tournament having fully considered the quarantine period and living protocols in place after quarantine.
“The well-being of our players and staff is our number one priority and we support Sarah in this decision.”
Jonathan Finch, England’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, said there had been “some tough calls on selection”.
“The chance to refocus our intentions immediately after the disappointment of the Ashes is exciting and provides an opportunity to embrace the challenge of a global event,” he said.
“Emma Lamb, a consistent performer across domestic cricket, comes into the squad after making her international debut last summer and offers multiple options with the bat and as an all-rounder with her off-spin bowling.
“Success at World Cups is often the pinnacle of a player’s career and we wish all those selected all the best in their quest to win on the world stage.”
England Women’s World Cup squad
- Heather Knight (Western Storm, cap)
- Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)
- Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)
- Freya Davies (South East Stars)
- Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)
- Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
- Kate Cross (Thunder)
- Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
- Tash Farrant (South East Stars)
- Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
- Emma Lamb (Thunder)
- Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice-captain)
- Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm)
- Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)
- Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
