Emma Lamb earns call up; Sarah Glenn opts out of England's World Cup squad

World Cup 2022 on Thursday (February 10). Leg spinner Sarah Glenn decided to not make herself available for the tournament even though she was chosen as one of the stand by players, Lauren Bell and Mady Villiers have been named as the two travelling reserves.

The team, led by Heather Knight, has kept the core group intact, with as many as seven members from the squad that won the World Cup 2017 at home - when they beat India by nine runs in the final at Lord’s - featuring in the squad.

Lamb made her debut during the final ODI of the multi-format Ashes series. Even though she got out for a second-ball duck, the 24-year-old has impressed the selectors with her domestic performances in recent years. She was the leading run-getter for England A against Australia during the tour with 213 runs to her name at an average of 26.62 and a strike rate of 107.03. She also scored 237 runs at an average of 47.40 in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHF Trophy) in 2021. An opener by trade, she will provide England options at the top of the order besides fellow openers Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill.

“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,” Jonathan Finch, director of England women’s cricket, said.

“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.”

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With the 22-year-old Glenn deciding to not make herself available for selection, Maia Bouchier is the only omission from the 17-member Ashes squad that went down 12-4 to Australia after losing all three ODIs at the fag end of the series. Off spinner Villiers was part of the main Ashes squad, but will be doing the travelling reserve duty in New Zealand.

"All the 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," an ECB spokesperson said about Glenn's decision.

“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,” Finch added. “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 will start their title defence with the match against arch rivals Australia on March 5 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

England: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Natasha Farrant, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danielle Wyatt

Travelling reserves: Lauren Bell, Mady Villiers