Kate ready to give it a Bash!

CROSS FIRE . . . bowler Kate, pictured in action for Heywood, is heading Down Under this winter.

CRICKET: 

THE Central Lancashire League will have a representative in a major tournament in Australia this winter.

Heywood bowler Kate Cross, who this summer made CLL history by becoming the first woman to play in a first-team league match, has signed for Brisbane Heat in the Aussie Women’s Big Bash.

The daughter of former Athletic striker David Cross, Kate took eight for 47 against Unsworth in a CLL fixture in May.

She is a member of the England women’s team currently facing Australia in a multi-match battle for the Ashes.

Kate’s CLL appearances have been restricted by her England duties, but she hopes to play for the Crimble club again when commitments allow.

Meanwhile, Kate’s brother Bobby – a prolific run scorer for Heywood – has confirmed that Lancashire has expressed an interest in hosting a Women’s Cricket Super League team next summer.

Six host teams will compete in a T20 competition following the announcement from the ECB.

The competition will expand to include a 50-overs tournament from 2017.