Kate Cross picks up 8 wickets in men's league match

Kate Cross became the first female cricketer to play in the Central Lancashire League

Kate Cross, who created history last month by becoming the first female cricketer to play in the Central Lancashire League (CLL), took 8 wickets in an innings while playing in the men’s league over the weekend. Cross finished with figures of 8/47 against Unsworth as her team Heywood won the match by 6 wickets.

Batting first, Unsworth were bowled out for just 121 after a brilliant bowling performance from Cross. Her brother Bobby, who was also part of the Heywood XI, scored a half-century as they raced to a comfortable victory.

Congratulations to @LancsCCC and @ECB_cricket bowler @katecross16 (8-47) who's taken 8 wickets for @HeywoodCC today. pic.twitter.com/QdvknBAc5K

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) May 10, 2015

Cross comes from a sporting background with her father David having played for numerous first division English football clubs, including West Ham United and Manchester City. He, in fact, started in a FA Cup final for the Hammers in 1980 when they beat Arsenal 1-0.

The 23-year-old has played 2 Tests, 9 ODIs and 4 T20Is for England so far and is expected to be part of the English team as they look to defend the women’s Ashes later this year.

“Kate playing for the first XI represented a very 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,” Heywood chairman John Rhodes said.

Congratulations @katecross16 for your 8 wickets against us today. Don't think we've been retweeted so many times before!

— Unsworth CC (@Unsworth_CC) May 10, 2015