England cricketer Kate Cross has signed a new one-year deal with Lancashire, extending her long association with the county where she first joined the cricket academy in 2006. The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty for the 33-year-classic fast bowler, who discovered she had lost her central contract with England in August, as she revealed on the “No Balls: The Cricket Podcast” she co-hosts with Alex Hartley.
Cross, who has taken over 100 wickets for England across all formats, was dropped during England’s one-day series against India this summer and was not selected for the upcoming World Cup. She described the experience as “one of the toughest weeks I’ve had in my career,” telling Hartley that she felt a loss of trust from the England coaching staff.
“I started the India series opening the bowling for England as vice-captain and I finished that series not even making the 13 for the last game in that series,” Cross said on the podcast. “Lottie [England head coach Charlotte Edwards] said to me in a chat before the game that it was a must-win game. As a cricketer who has always prided myself on being a reliable bowler for my captain who would stand up in big moments, that was tough to hear. That felt like a lot of trust had been lost quite quickly.”
Despite the setback with her England contract, Cross remains a key figure in the domestic game. She has played for Lancashire for nearly two decades, and also represents North West Thunder, Northern Superchargers, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Her return to Lancashire provides continuity as she navigates the changes in her international career.
The new deal with Lancashire will see Cross continue to contribute to the county’s success, building on a career that began with her becoming the first woman accepted into Lancashire’s cricket academy. She won the Eversheds Most Promising Young Cricketer award in 2007, signaling her potential from an early age.
Hartley and Cross regularly discuss cricket matters on their podcast, “No Balls: The Cricket Podcast,” offering insights into the professional game. Hartley recently addressed online reaction to her commentary during the Ashes series, where she referenced her menstrual cycle, an incident that generated significant discussion. She spoke about the incident on the podcast, noting the surprising level of attention it received.
Cross’s winter training programme with Lancashire is now underway, preparing her for the upcoming domestic season. The specifics of the programme have not been publicly disclosed, but it will be crucial for her to maintain her fitness and form as she aims to regain her place in the England team.
