Kate Cross becomes first woman to play in Lancashire senior cricket

Kate Cross bowling for Heywood (Photo credits – Heywood CC)

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.

@katecross16 celebrates her first CLL wicket today, finishing with three. Also a catch dropped by @rjcross7 pic.twitter.com/1SBe0wsmxS

— Heywood Cricket Club (@HeywoodCC) April 19, 2015

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! pic.twitter.com/98SghMG5A6

— Kate Cross (@katecross16) April 19, 2015

Cross has played 2 Tests, 9 ODIs and 4 T20Is for England so far.