Cat Cross, an experienced fast bowler from England, has made an important decision regarding her sporting career. The 34-year-old Cross plans to retire from professional cricket after the current season in England. This will mark the end of her journey, during which she played 102 international matches in all formats for the England national team.
Previously, Cross was out of the national squad after losing her central contract from the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) last September. In an Instagram post, Cat Cross wrote: 'This summer will be my last season in professional cricket. Thinking about leaving a sport that has become such a big part of my life and helped me become the person I am today is incredibly difficult. But now it's time for the final chapter.' She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to play in her favorite sport at a professional and highest level, calling the memories gained through cricket one of the greatest achievements of her career.
Cat Cross's career began in the county of Lancashire. She joined the Lancashire youth team when she was only 13 years old. She then debuted for the senior Lancashire team in 2005. After consistent performances in domestic cricket, she was invited to the England national team to participate in the 2011 Ashes, although her international debut came two years later.
In 2013, Cross made her debut in a T20 International against West Indies. During the same tour, she had the opportunity to debut in an ODI. In Barbados, she took four wickets for 51 runs and was named 'Player of the Match.'
Cat Cross's Test debut took place in the 2014 Ashes against Australia in Port George. During her Test debut match, she took three wickets in both innings, playing a vital role in England's victory. A year later, in Lincoln against New Zealand, she delivered her best performance in her international career, taking five wickets for just 24 runs.
Her ODI performances were outstanding: she took 101 wickets in 76 ODI matches. Additionally, her record includes 25 wickets in eight Test matches and 14 wickets in 18 T20 International matches.
Cat Cross's career was not limited to international cricket. She played for Brisbane Heat in the Women's Big Bash League. In 2019, she was granted a central contract by the ECB. Later, she got the chance to captain Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Recently, she returned to the field for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred.