With the prestigious Women’s Ashes 2025 just around the corner, England’s experienced seamer Kate Cross has provided updates on her fitness, expressing frustration over her injury but reaffirming her determination to participate in the highly anticipated series.
Cross, who sustained a back spasm during England’s third ODI match against South Africa last month, later discovered via scans that she had a bulging disc. This injury led to her missing the Test match against South Africa. Despite this setback, she has been included in England’s white-ball and Test squads for the Ashes series.
Cross on Her Injury
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Cross admitted to feeling frustrated as injuries have not been a frequent challenge in her career:
“It’s been a bit of a frustrating one, and I’m the kind of person that’s not used to having injuries. It’s been a tough period, but it’s just one of them.”
The 32-year-old emphasized her commitment to recovery and her determination to contribute to England’s Ashes campaign:
“I’ve just got to take it day by day, seeing what I can and can’t do. The Ashes is such a huge series, and I’m desperate to play a part in it, so I’m just working really hard.”
Women’s Ashes 2025 Schedule
The series kicks off with the three-match ODI series, starting January 11 at North Sydney Oval in Sydney. The remaining ODIs will take place at:
- January 13: Junction Oval, Melbourne
- January 16: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
This will be followed by a three-match T20I series:
- January 20: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
- January 23: Manuka Oval, Canberra
- January 25: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
The much-anticipated one-off Test match will be held on February 2 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
England’s Squads for the Women’s Ashes 2025
ODI Squad:
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
T20I Squad:
Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
Test Squad:
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
Cross’s Impact and England’s Prospects
As a seasoned bowler with vital experience, Kate Cross’s participation in the Ashes could provide crucial depth and leadership to England’s bowling attack. The team faces a formidable Australian side, making every player’s contribution vital.
With just days to go, fans and cricket enthusiasts will hope to see Cross fit and ready to don the England jersey in this fierce rivalry.