England bowler Kate Cross named Lancashire Thunder captain ahead of Kia Super League

She replaces former England off-spinner Dani Hazell, who has retired from playing and is now head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds

England seamer Kate Cross has been named the new captain of Lancashire Thunder ahead of the 2019 Kia Super League.

She replaces former England off-spinner Dani Hazell, who has retired from playing and is now head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds.

Cross made her Lancashire debut when she was just 13 years old and became the first girl to join the county’s academy at the age of 15.

She made her international bow in 2013 and took two wickets on Sunday as England beat West Indies comfortably at Worcester.

Cross, who has represented both Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League, said: “I have been proud to represent the Red Rose for 14 years now and I am hugely excited to lead this fantastic group of girls.

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“Dani was a superb Captain and we wish her all the best as head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds, it is my hope that we can build on the great progress made last year.”

It has also been announced that the England spin duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Alex Hartley have been allocated to the team this year once again. Ecclestone was also part of the England side that eased past West Indies.

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