England Fast Bowler Kate Cross Loses Central Contract Amid 2025 World Cup Omission

England fast bowler Kate Cross, a veteran of 12 years and leader of the pace attack since Katherine Sciver-Brunt's retirement in 2023, has lost her central contract with the national team. The 33-year-old was informed of the decision on the eve of the Women's Hundred in August, a week she described as one of the toughest in her career, especially after being dropped during the ODI series against India and excluded from the 2025 Women's World Cup squad. Cross has taken 140 international wickets across formats and holds the second-best strike rate for England women in ODIs, making her exclusion and contract loss surprising to many. England head coach Charlotte Edwards had a crucial conversation with Cross before a must-win match in the India series, which Cross said felt like a loss of trust. Despite setbacks, Cross played a key role in The Hundred tournament, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker and helping Northern Superchargers to victory. Her omission signals a significant transition in England women's cricket as the team looks ahead without one of its most consistent bowlers.