Edwards needed a runner during Saturday's one-day international at Hove and missed Sunday's fourth defeat of the series against Australia in Southampton. She should play in today's final match of the one-day series at Lord's but will miss part if not all of the five-day County Championship tournament which starts in Cambridge on Saturday. Edwards, who is captain of East Anglia, faces a lengthy period of treatment if she is to continue playing regularly at the top level.

England's tale of woe was further compounded when their other opener, Janette Brittin, broke a finger on Saturday in the field. Brittin will see a specialist this week but must be doubtful for the first of the three-match Test series against Australia which begins in Guildford on Aug 5. England captain Karen Smithies, who has a knee injury, is another fitness doubt.