![Picture Credit: X](https://media.sportstiger.com/media/will-kate-cross-feature-in-one-off-test-against-australia-in-womens-ashes-nat-sciver-brunt-shares-big-update-sportstiger-1738126783381-original.webp)
Picture Credit: X
England Women have had a forgettable series as far as the Women’s Ashes is concerned. Looking at the six matches played between the top two quality sides, including three ODIs and as many T20Is, all the results have gone in favour of the hosts. With the Australia Women retaining the Ashes, it has now come all down to the one-off Test, set to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Thursday, January 30.
Ahead of the pink-ball Test, England vice-captain Nat-Sciver Brunt has shared a big update on Kate Cross, who missed the previous games due to a back injury. It is to be noted that the 33-year-old is their most experienced and reliable seamer, having played eight Tests, where she has picked up 25 wickets at an average of 30.75 and an economy of 3.14.
Kate Cross likely to miss pink-ball Test against Australia Women
Speaking on the sidelines of the Women’s Ashes, Nat-Sciver Brunt said, as quoted by Morning Star, “She’s tracking good. It was nice to see her rocking out a few overs in the nets, I think she got through two spells today.” The England all-rounder also added that a call on her availability hasn’t been taken yet, stating, “I don’t know [if she is available], you’ll have to ask the physio who’ll review with her and see if she got through the net session alright. But, it’s great to see her back to being herself. Seeing her in a lot of pain in the last month has been quite difficult, and she’d have been feeling that as well.”
While Kate Cross’ participation in the one-off Test looks doubtful, she is set to be replaced by fellow pacer Ryana MacDonald-Gay or back-up batter Sophia Dunkley. On the other hand, Australia look boosted on the return of two of their important players as they look to complete a clean sweep in the multi-format Ashes series. The hosts will see the return of their skipper Alyssa Healy and star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner.
England's Women's Ashes squad for pink-ball Test vs Australia
Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.