Fast bowler Cross loses England contract

England’s top bowler Kate Cross revealed this on the eve of the Women’s Hundred in August, revealing that she had lost her central contract with the national team.

The 33-year-old was dropped during this summer’s one-day series against India and was not chosen for the upcoming World Cup. She has led England’s seam attack since Katherine Sciver-Brunt retired in 2023.

“Probably one of the toughest weeks I’ve ever had,” said Cross, “the toughest week of my career.”

“I started the India series by opening the bowling for England as vice-captain, and I didn’t even manage to make the 13-man field for the series’ final game.”

In a conversation before the game, Lottie [England head coach Charlotte Edwards] stated to me that it was a must-win game.

It was difficult to hear as a cricketer who had always praised myself for being a trustworthy bowler for my captain who would stand up in difficult situations. That made me feel very quickly that a lot of trust had been lost.

Making her debut against West Indies in 2013, Lancashire bowler Cross has played eight Tests, 76 ODIs, and 18 T20s for England.

Due to a back injury, Cross was a member of the England squad that won the Women’s Ashes in Australia in 2013-2014 but missed the most recent series, which saw England fall to 16-0 on points.

She was recalled after figures of 0-60 against India in the first ODI of a series, which the visitors then won 2-1, but she was able to play in one-day internationals against West Indies.

On their No Balls podcast, Cross addressed former England team-mate Alex Hartley, who stated, “Our appraisals were about ten days after that series.”

“I drove myself back home after going down to Loughborough, where I believe I spent about six minutes there.”

We had the chance to include a member of the Professional Cricketers’ Association in our evaluation.

“I’m so pleased I took him in, looking back. Before I started the appraisal, I chatted with him about what I thought my scenario was, which I didn’t understand.

I cried out and went in, but within 45 seconds I learned I wasn’t getting my contract renewed, so it all happened really quickly.

I think I was strangely more composed than I was before talking. I had a lot of my stats and other things to talk about when I entered the room, but I had no chance to open my book. A pretty brutal day was had.