London, Feb 10 (Agency) Charlie Dean and Emma Lamb on Thursday made it to England’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to begin on March 4 in New Zealand. The defending champions, who lifted the trophy at the Lord’s in 2017, have included fast bowler Lauren Bell and spin-bowling all-rounder Mady Villiers as travelling reserves. England will enter the World Cup on the back of a 0-3 loss to Australia in the ODI leg of the Ashes. The Heather Knight-led side will open their World Cup campaign against Australia on March 5 in Hamilton. Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, 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 squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Amy Jones (wk), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver (vc), Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt.