English woman matches it with the men

One of England's bowlers hoping to prevent the Southern Stars from reclaiming the Ashes this year, Kate Cross, has made history as the first woman to play in the 123-year history of the Central Lancashire League.

Making her debut for Heywood Cricket Club men’s first XI, the 23-year-old Lancashire bowler took just five balls to claim her first scalp.

She finished with 3-19 from seven overs, helping Heywood secure an eight-wicket victory in their first match of the premier division.

Despite having played at Lord’s, toured Australia and won an Ashes series, Cross admitted to being nervous before the match – due to the high expectations that come hand in hand with being a professional international player – but it did not show on the day.

"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," Cross said.

“I’m extremely proud to be the first girl to play in our league and I hope we will see many more. 

Cross, whose father won the FA Cup with West Ham, played alongside older brother Bobby Cross, who scored 75 but dropped a catch off her bowling.

Also in the Heywood XI was former Lancashire and England one-day left-arm spinner Stephen Parry.

“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,” Cross said.

“I am very grateful to the Central Lancashire League for allowing me to play and I loved every minute of it.”

Bobby Cross said he was proud to see his sister do herself justice.

“It was a big moment for her given how much it had been talked about but she took it in her stride and did really well.

“I really enjoyed being in the same team as her although I am sure she will never let me forget that I dropped a catch off her bowling.  Hopefully we can help Heywood win many more games together.”

Heywood chairman John Rhodes said Cross’s debut was a proud moment for the club.

"At a time when there is strong focus from the Lancashire Cricket Board and ECB on the development and growth of women’s cricket I am delighted that we continue to play a part in this exciting time for the women’s and girls’ game," Rhodes said.

“Kate was selected on merit as being one of the best 11 players in the club and that in itself is credit to her for the hard work she puts in.

Cross, who has played two Tests and four ODIs for England, is not the first England women’s cricketer to play top level men’s club cricket.

One of the most notable was 134-time England cap Arran Brindle, who made history in 2011 by scoring 128 for Louth men’s first XI against Market Deeping in the ECB Lincolnshire Premier League.