England have named five potential debutants in their 13-strong squad for the Test against South Africa at Taunton next week, their first since the retirements of Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole.
Emma Lamb appears in line to debut at the top of the order after Lauren Winfield-Hill was overlooked. Alice Davidson-Richards provides an all-round option, while three new seamers will compete for the places left by Brunt, who has only recently quit Test cricket, and Shrubsole, who has retired from all formats.
Emily Arlott, Lauren Bell and Freya Davies are also involved. In addition, Issy Wong has been named as a travelling reserve.
“There are a number of new faces in the squad which brings a real level of energy and enthusiasm,” said coach Lisa Keightley. “We’re at the beginning of a new ICC Women's Championship cycle, which starts for us with the India ODIs, and it's natural that we're looking forward with one eye on who may be a key player for us come 2025.
“Similarly with Katherine Brunt retired from Test cricket and Anya Shrubsole from all forms of the international game, a number of bowling spots have opened up which is hugely exciting for those players. I'm sure they'll all be very keen to grab their opportunity.
“We have to balance having the appropriate back-up for the senior squad while also giving playing opportunities. We need our players to play as much cricket as possible, which is why we have a deliberately small Test squad while the England Women's A team are in action against South Africa.
“It really is a massive summer, with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, and we can't wait to get started with the red ball in Taunton.”
The Test is part of the multi-format series against South Africa, with three ODIs and three T20s following.
From Tuesday, an England A squad will play South Africa in a three-day match at Arundel. Winfield-Hill, Georgia Elwiss, Danni Wyatt and Sarah Glenn are among the internationals included.
