Kate Cross becomes first woman to play in Lancashire senior cricket
English international cricketer Kate Cross created history by becoming the first female cricketer to play in the Central Lancashire League (CLL). She represented Heywood Cricket Club in a match against Clifton Cricket Club.
The 23-year-old put on a good show, picking up figures of 3/19 from 7 overs in the match, with one of her strikes coming in the first over she bowled. Her spell was one of the biggest factors in Heywood registering an easy 8-wicket victory on the day.
Speaking about the game, Cross said that she hopes many girls like her get the opportunity to play in professional men’s cricket.
"I never thought I would get the chance to play for the first team at Heywood, the club in which I grew up and learnt my cricket. I’m extremely proud to be the first girl to play in our league and I hope we will see many more," she said.
Cross comes from a sporting background with her father David having played for numerous first division English football clubs, including West Ham United and Manchester City. He, in fact, started in a FA Cup final for the Hammers in 1980 when they beat Arsenal 1-0.
Her brother Bobby was also part of the Heywood XI and dropped a catch of Kate’s bowling.
“It was even more special to get to play alongside my brother, one of my role models, after watching him break records for the club. I am very grateful to the Central Lancashire League for allowing me to play and I loved every minute of it,” Cross added.
One for the Cross family photo album. My brother dropping a catch off my bowling today. Pictures paint 1000 words!
— Kate Cross (@katecross16) April 19, 2015pic.twitter.com/98SghMG5A6
Cross has played 2 Tests, 9 ODIs and 4 T20Is for England so far.