As the sun continues to shine on the English summer, the cricketing world took note as Kate Cross, England’s seasoned pace spearhead, broke records, becoming the quickest English pacer to complete a ton of ODI wickets, achieving the remarkable landmark in the 2nd ODI of the three-match series against the West Indies.
At 33, with 100 ODI wickets in her formidable arsenal, Cross becomes the latest entrant to the elite’ ’100 ODI wickets’ club, an achievement that not only celebrates her personal journey but also underscores her enduring impact on the evolution of the game in England.
Since making her ODI debut on October 29, 2013, against the West Indies at Trinidad’s storied Queen’s Park Oval, Kate Cross has been a pillar of consistency and resilience. Over 73* innings, she has claimed 100* wickets at an impressive average of 24.21, with an economy rate of just 4.43, figures that place her among the finest and underrated seamers of her era.
But numbers only tell part of the story. More than just her wicket tally, Cross’s journey is one of relentless perseverance, adaptability, and leadership, both on and off the field. From her early days battling for a regular spot in a competitive England setup to now serving as a mentor for emerging bowlers, her story embodies the evolution of the game, and the vital role experienced campaigners play in nurturing the next generation.
While consistency has been her hallmark, Cross also possesses the flair for match-defining performances. Her career-best figures, 9.5-0-30-6 against Ireland at Stormont, Belfast, on September 7, 2024, remain etched in memory as a masterclass in seam bowling. On that day, Cross swung the ball prodigiously and dismantled the Irish batting order, earning her a well-deserved Player of the Match award and reaffirming her status as a game-changer in crunch situations.
Her best returns include three four-fors and three five-fors, each spell a testament to her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needs her most.
In the ongoing white-ball series against the West Indies, led by the dynamic Hayley Matthews, England (under Nat Sciver-Brunt) continues to assert its dominance. After a comprehensive T20I whitewash, England’s 108-run victory in the first ODI of the series further cemented their status as one of the premier teams in the world.
Although Cross wasn’t part of the T20I squad, she returned for the ODIs and opened her account in the series with match figures of 9-0-57-1. With the wicket of Aaliyah Alleyne on the first ball of the 6th over of her spell in the 2nd ODI at Leicester, she joined England women’s cricketing greats, the likes of Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Isa Guha, etc, with 100 ODI scalps.
She also became the 2nd fastest English woman (73 innings) to complete 100 ODI scalps after Sophie Ecclestone (63 innings) in terms of the number of innings in the format. She is the fastest English pacer to do so in ODIs.
Cross’s value extends far beyond her wicket tally. As an experienced campaigner, she is a trusted member in the leadership group for captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and a nurturing presence for emerging seamers breaking into the setup. Her work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to adapt to different roles symbolise the best of English cricket’s ethos. Off the pitch, she is admired for her advocacy for mental health, equality, and the growth of women’s cricket worldwide.
As England and the West Indies prepare for the remaining ODI, all eyes will be on England’s pace attack led by the experienced Kate Cross. She has etched her name in the annals of cricket history, but her journey, a story of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment, will continue to inspire.
Kate Cross stands as a beacon for aspiring cricketers everywhere: a reminder that greatness is not simply measured in numbers but in the impact, one leaves on the game and the generations that follow.
