India v England: Emma Lamb withdraws from Test squad with back injury
- Published
Emma Lamb has opened the batting with Tammy Beaumont in England's most recent two Tests
Emma Lamb has withdrawn from England's squad for the one-off Test match against India with a back injury.
Opening batter Lamb, 25, has returned to the UK to see a spinal surgeon.
Batter Maia Bouchier and spinner Kirstie Gordon have been called up to the squad for the four-day Test that starts in Mumbai on 14 December.
Bouchier is uncapped 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 which precedes the Test, but did not feature in England's opening 38-run win.
Gordon, 26, played for England A in their recent 2-1 T20 series victory over India A, and has remained in India with the full squad since.
Lamb's absence as a specialist opener will likely mean one of Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley or Alice Capsey will join Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order, with all three having fulfilled the role in white-ball cricket.
"We're all really feeling for her," wicketkeeper Amy Jones said of Lamb's withdrawal.
"Hopefully she gets home and gets it all right. 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 to play in backdrop of WPL auction again
During February's T20 World Cup in South Africa, England faced Ireland in a group stage game while cricket's headlines were dominated by the player draft for the first ever Women's Premier League in India.
On Saturday, they will find themselves in the same position again during the second T20, but Jones - who went unsold in February's auction - says England are better prepared this time around.
"I'm not sure if it was a challenge, but it was just completely new for us as a group," said Jones.
"This year, it will be simpler, having been through it before. Our attention will be on the game as much as possible."
The experience is different for India's players. It is their home competition with no limits on places, as there is for England as overseas players, so all of their squad will expect to be signed.
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been retained by Mumbai Indians, for whom she played a starring role as they won the title, along with fast bowler Issy Wong.
Captain Heather Knight is staying with Royal Challengers Bangalore, all-rounder Alice Capsey with Delhi Capitals, while UP Warriorz have retained spinner Sophie Ecclestone and seamer Lauren Bell.
Batter Sophia Dunkley was released by Gujarat Giants but has not entered this year's draft.
Other England players hoping to be signed for the first time include Jones, Bouchier, batter Danni Wyatt, and all-rounder Danielle Gibson.
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