World Cup squad omission ‘feels savage’ – Cross

Kate Cross remarks that it “feels savage” that England’s squad was drafted for the Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Seamer Cross, 33, was left out of Charlotte Edwards’ 15-player squad for the tournament, which runs from September 30 through November 2.

One of England’s most experienced one-day international players, she opened the bowling in the first match of last month’s ODI series against India despite having struggled for form since suffering a back injury at the end of 2024.

It seems like everything has happened so quickly, she told the No Balls podcast, which is what I’m really struggling to understand.

After being reduced to 29 overs per side in the second ODI against India at Lord’s because of the rain, Cross was dropped for the series finale at Chester-le-Street.

After being chosen for that game, which England lost to suffer a 2-1 series defeat, she claimed she initially worried she might not make the World Cup squad.

Despite her recent struggles, Cross believed she had made the squad enough despite her back injury, which prevented her from playing a game in England’s miserable 16-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia earlier this year.

She said, “Being in the best XI is a different conversation.” However, not being on the plane makes it feel savage.

Cross claimed it was “one of the worst” times in her career and that she felt “quite sick” after being informed that she had not been chosen.

She remarked, “The messages I’ve received from everyone have been amazing.” In the end, I won’t be playing any cricket because it’s so small.

” But it’s hard to take because I don’t feel like I’ve done enough to deserve not being on that plane. “

England captain and all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt is expected to be fit enough to bowl in the World Cup, with Edwards picking Em Arlott, Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer as the only three other seamers, given surfaces are expected to favour slow bowling.

Cross, who is playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, said she still needs to have a conversation with Edwards about whether she will be on standby in case of injury to one of those seamers.