England fast bowler of Kate Cross has confirmed that she will retire from professional cricket at the end of the English summer, bringing to an end a distinguished career in which she became one of the country's most reliable bowlers.
Kate Cross ends her outstanding England career
The 34-year-old will end an international career spanning 15 years, in which she represented England 102 times in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Although Cross has not played for the national team since 2025, when he lost his ECB central contract, his contribution to English cricket remains significant. Cross finished his international career with 101 wickets in 76 ODIs, while he took 25 wickets in eight Tests and 14 wickets in 18 T20Is. His announcement is the end of a journey that began with selection in England for the 2011 Ashes, and he finally made his international debut in 2013.
“It's so hard to imagine saying goodbye to a game that has been a huge part of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. But, the final chapter is in sight,” Cross was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Career built around Lancashire
Cross's association with Lancashire spans almost two decades. She joined the county's junior system at the age of just 13 and two years later became the first girl to gain entry into the Lancashire Academy. His senior debut for Lancashire came in 2005, and he has maintained a close association with the county throughout his playing career. When the women's competition started, she also became a part of Lancashire Thunder.
His England breakthrough finally came on the tour of the West Indies in 2013. Cross also made his ODI debut following his T20I debut on the same tour. He immediately made his mark in the 50-over format, winning the Player of the Match award in Barbados with figures of 4/51.
Test influence and career outside England
Cross made his Test debut in Perth during the 2014 Ashes and wasted no time in making an impact. He took three wickets in each innings, ensuring England's victory in the single Test. His best international bowling figures came in 2015, when he New Zealand Took 5/24 against Lincoln. As well as England and Lancashire commitments, Cross also gained experience overseas, where he played for Australia. Women’s Big Bash League In Brisbane Heat Played for. He received an ECB central contract in 2019 and subsequently took a leadership role with Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
Cross recently returned to domestic cricket with Sunrisers Leeds and will play the remainder of the summer for Lancashire before officially concluding her career. Reflecting on her journey, Cross said she feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play the game professionally and at the highest level. He also highlighted the people he met along the way, stating that the memories he made during his career are something he will always be grateful for.
With one final summer to come, Cross is now relishing the opportunity to bid farewell to the game on her own terms and celebrate a career that helped shape modern women's cricket in England.