England bowler Kate Cross acknowledges that the team’s complete defeat in Australia was a significant blow to their aspirations of inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
Following a crushing 16-0 points loss to Australia, Cross admits there are few positives to take away as players and staff await the results of an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) review of the tour.
Cross stated, “There are areas we know need addressing from a cricketing perspective, but also culturally.” She hopes the review will tackle these issues and encourage future generations to aspire to play for England.
The Ashes result in Australia was particularly disappointing, especially after the excitement and optimism generated by England’s home Ashes campaign in 2023. During that series, they recovered from a Test defeat to draw the series 8-8, winning both limited-overs legs.
Cross believes the recent losses may have alienated some fans, which is disheartening. She contrasted the 2023 Ashes, which showcased the team’s potential, with the 2025 Ashes, which highlighted their weaknesses.
The review, initiated by Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, after the Ashes whitewash, has included player interviews and is expected to release its recommendations later this month.
Cross offered a unique perspective on the tour, having traveled with a back injury that prevented her from playing despite her efforts to prove her fitness.
She recognized that professional athletes face increased scrutiny and expressed hope that fans would “rekindle their love for English cricket” after a challenging winter for both the women’s and men’s teams. The men’s team also faced an early exit from the Champions Trophy.
England failed to secure a single victory in the Women’s Ashes series and were thoroughly outperformed by Australia. The team’s physical condition and mental fortitude were questioned, particularly after a controversy involving former player turned commentator, Alex Hartley.
Cross described their performance as “unprecedentedly poor” and admitted no one anticipated such a negative outcome. She believes the review process is a chance for the team to become better players and improve as individuals.
For Cross, the tour was personally frustrating, especially considering her impactful Test debut performance in Perth during the 2013-14 tour of Australia, which contributed to England’s last Ashes series victory.
Reflecting on her trip, Cross acknowledged the devastation of missing an Ashes series due to injury at 33. This experience has prompted her to reconsider her career management, and she hopes the new county structure will provide better support, ensuring this isn’t her last Ashes.
Cross emphasized that player’s aim to inspire young girls to engage with cricket, and significant defeats hinder this goal. She stressed the need for the team to re-evaluate their image and reconnect with fans, hoping to regain lost support after the recent Ashes series and move forward positively.
Her comments suggest a shift from the “inspire and entertain” mantra adopted when Jon Lewis became head coach in 2022. This change in approach comes after a series of disappointing performances, including their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October.
Cross spoke at the launch of the Professional Cricketers’ Association Women’s Impact Report, which highlights progress in the sport since 2020. This includes equal minimum domestic salaries of £28,000 for men and women this season, aligning women’s teams with the men’s in a three-tiered county structure.
However, further progress is needed, particularly to address the widening salary gap in The Hundred competition. While top male players can earn £200,000 (a 60% increase), top female players will earn £65,000 (a 30% increase). The base salary for men increased to £31,000, while women’s base pay rose from £8,000 to £10,000.
Cross hopes to see rapid action to close this gap, especially given player concerns. Despite the disappointment, she recognizes The Hundred’s positive impact on women’s cricket, providing unprecedented domestic visibility.
She remains optimistic that increased investment in the game will be directed appropriately, reducing the gender pay gap.
A PCA working group will advocate to the ECB on various aspects of The Hundred, which is set to receive substantial private investment next season.
PCA Chief Executive Daryl Mitchell expressed surprise at the salary announcements, noting communication needs improvement. He mentioned that initial presentations indicated different salary bands than what was publicly released.
Mitchell acknowledged “robust discussions” regarding the process and stated the ECB considers this an interim year, with plans to increase salaries across the board next year following the sale of The Hundred franchises. He confirmed ongoing work to resolve these issues.
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