Lamb, Dean named in England's ODI World Cup squad

Allrounders Charlie Dean and Emma Lamb have been included in England’s 15-player squad for the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand, scheduled to begin on March 4. Meanwhile, right-arm seamer Lauren Bell and spin-bowling allrounder Mady Villiers will travel with the Heather Knight-led squad as reserves. 

Lamb recently made her ODI debut in the multi-format Ashes series against Australia, while Dean too has only featured in seven 50-over encounters. The defending champions have left out batter Maia Bouchier, while legspinner Sarah Glenn made herself unavailable, after initially being chosen as a travelling reserve.

An ECB statement read: "All players and staff were asked to opt in to 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."

In Kate Cross, Katherine Brunt, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Freya Davies and Tash Farrant, England have some solid fast bowlers, while Sophie Ecclestone and Dean will take care of the spin department. England also have quality and experienced batters like Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Danni Wyatt in their squad.

Meanwhile, Director of England women's cricket Jonathan Finch said: "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.

"The England Women's A series that ran alongside the Ashes enabled a wider group of players to compete for a place in the squad which has made for some tough calls on selection.

"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."

England were whitewashed by Australia in the recently concluded three-match series and will open their World Cup campaign against the same opponent on March 5 in Hamilton.

Squad: Heather Knight (Capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Amy Jones (wk), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt. 

Travelling reserves: Lauren Bell, Mady Villiers.