Lamb out of England Test squad due to back injury

Opening batter Lamb, 25, returned to the UK for consultation a spinal surgeon.
Hitter Maia Bouchier and spinner Kirstie Gordon were called into the team for the four-day Test which begins in Mumbai on December 14.
Bouchier is not selected in Test cricket, while Gordon played one match against Australia in 2019 but has not represented England since.
Bouchier, 25, is part of Heather Knight's squad for the three-match T20 series ahead of the Test, but did not feature in England's 38-run opening victory. < /p>
Gordon, 26, played for England A in their recent 2-1 T20 series win against India A, and has remained in India with the full squad ever since.
The absence of Lamb as specialist opener will likely mean one of Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley or Alice Capsey will join Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order, all three having filled the role in white-ball cricket.
"We all really feel for her," wicketkeeper Amy Jones said of Lamb's withdrawal.
"I hope she comes home and does well. But it's a great opportunity for Maia and Kirstie, everyone loves the idea of playing test cricket and playing it as much as possible."
The final two T20s take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium before the Test match moves to the DY Patil Stadium, both in Mumbai.
England will play against the backdrop of the WPL auction again
At the T20 World Cup in February in South Africa, England faced Ireland in a group stage match as cricket headlines were dominated by the draft of players for India's first ever Women's Premier League.
On Saturday, they will find themselves in the same position again in the second T20, but Jones - who was not sold in February auction - says England are better prepared this time around.
"I don't know if it was a challenge, but it was completely new to us as a group," Jones said.
"This year, it will be simpler, having already experienced it. Our attention will be focused on the game as much as possible."
The experience is different for Indian players. This is their home competition with no limit on places, as is the case for England as foreign players, so their whole squad will expect to be signed.
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt was picked up by the Mumbai Indians, for whom she played a leading role as they won the title, alongside fast bowler Issy Wong.
Captain Heather Knight remains with Royal Challengers Bangalore, all-rounder Alice Capsey with Delhi Capitals, while UP Warriorz have retained the services of Sophie Ecclesto...

Sports Dec 9, 2023 0 15 Add to Reading List

Lamb out of England Test squad due to back injury

Emma Lamb batting in a test match for England

Opening batter Lamb, 25, returned to the UK for consultation a spinal surgeon.

Hitter Maia Bouchier and spinner Kirstie Gordon were called into the team for the four-day Test which begins in Mumbai on December 14.

Bouchier is not selected in Test cricket, while Gordon played one match against Australia in 2019 but has not represented England since.

Bouchier, 25, is part of Heather Knight's squad for the three-match T20 series ahead of the Test, but did not feature in England's 38-run opening victory. < /p>

Gordon, 26, played for England A in their recent 2-1 T20 series win against India A, and has remained in India with the full squad ever since.

The absence of Lamb as specialist opener will likely mean one of Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley or Alice Capsey will join Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order, all three having filled the role in white-ball cricket.

"We all really feel for her," wicketkeeper Amy Jones said of Lamb's withdrawal.

"I hope she comes home and does well. But it's a great opportunity for Maia and Kirstie, everyone loves the idea of playing test cricket and playing it as much as possible."

The final two T20s take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium before the Test match moves to the DY Patil Stadium, both in Mumbai.

England will play against the backdrop of the WPL auction again

At the T20 World Cup in February in South Africa, England faced Ireland in a group stage match as cricket headlines were dominated by the draft of players for India's first ever Women's Premier League.

On Saturday, they will find themselves in the same position again in the second T20, but Jones - who was not sold in February auction - says England are better prepared this time around.

"I don't know if it was a challenge, but it was completely new to us as a group," Jones said.

"This year, it will be simpler, having already experienced it. Our attention will be focused on the game as much as possible."

The experience is different for Indian players. This is their home competition with no limit on places, as is the case for England as foreign players, so their whole squad will expect to be signed.

England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt was picked up by the Mumbai Indians, for whom she played a leading role as they won the title, alongside fast bowler Issy Wong.

Captain Heather Knight remains with Royal Challengers Bangalore, all-rounder Alice Capsey with Delhi Capitals, while UP Warriorz have retained the services of Sophie Ecclesto...