• Right arm-pacer England pacer Kate Cross is not playing the only Day-Night Test against Australia.

  • Australia won the toss and opted to field first.

Women’s Ashes 2025: Here’s why Kate Cross not playing the AUS vs ENG pink-ball Test
Kate Cross (PC: X)

In the historic between Australia and England, home captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and chose to bo♏wl first at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The decision aligned with expectations, given the pitch’s reputation for assisting seam♍ers during the initial two days of play.

Why is Kate Cross missing the pink-ball Test?

A significant change in England’s playing XI was the absence of right-arm pacer Kate Cross. England captain Heather Knight provided an update on Cross’ fitness, expressing disappointment over her unavailability for the crucial match while acknowledging her efforts to regain full fitness. As a result, Cross was replaced in the lineup by fellow fast bowler Ryana MacDonald-Gay.

“Kate Cross is unfortunately not going to be playing. She’s been amazing. She’s worked so diligently to try and get over her (back) injury. Worked really hard, but she hasn’t quite been able to get back to her pace and her performance level. Really gutted for her, because she’s a key member for us, and it’s been really great to have her back around the group actually the last couple of days, she’s a huge member of the team and a leader in this group,” was quoted as saying by the ICC.

Also READ:

AUS-W vs ENG-W: Playing XI of both teams:

England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather K♊night(c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wya♐tt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell

Australia Women: Phoebe Litchfield, Geo☂rgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy (c), Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney (wk), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, , Darcie♛ Brown

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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.

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