England selectors have today confirmed that batsmen Charlotte Edwards and Barbara Daniels will not play against Australia this summer in the forthcoming CricInfo Women's Series.

Charlotte has cruciate ligament damage to her right knee, which requires surgery. The talented 21 year old batsman has been advised that due to the injury, she will not play cricket this season for England or her county, Kent. Charlotte, who has been an England regular since her debut aged 16 and holds the England highest score of 173*, said "I am extremely disappointed to miss this series, especially with the Ashes at stake. I'll work hard this year on getting my knee right and regaining my place next year".

Barbara Daniels, a World Cup winner with England in 1993 and a prolific run scorer throughout her England career, will retire this year from International cricket aged 36. Barbara has not been able to secure her squad place following the CricInfo World Cup in New Zealand last year.

Barbara has made a massive impact on the game, both as a player and as the ECB's first Executive Director for Women's Cricket following the merger of the ECB and WCA in 1997.

Barbara said: "I have enjoyed a fantastic career with England which includes winning the World Cup at Lord's. Playing for England all over the World and with a group of extremely talented players has been a privilege and I've enjoyed the past eight years immensely".

Barbara will continue to work within the game and has just completed the ECB Level III Coaching qualification, as well as undertaking some media activities reporting on women's cricket.

© ECB