Match Preview: Lancashire Women v Durham Women, Metro Bank One-Day Cup
Kate Cross is set for her final home game in a Lancashire shirt this Sunday when the county face Durham in a crunch Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash at Farington (10.30am).
The in-form Red Rose have three remaining group games.
After this, they travel to Taunton on Wednesday to face Somerset and then to Headingley on Saturday to tackle Yorkshire.
With their position in the table - fifth - and how far the top two in The Blaze and Hampshire are ahead of the rest, it is impossible for Lancashire to finish anywhere other than third, which would bring an away semi-final.
Cross, 34, recently announced that she will be retiring at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on a fabulous career with mainly both Lancashire and England.
Her first senior home game for Lancashire was in July 2006, a 50-over game against Sussex at Ormskirk. Sussex won, but teenager Cross didn’t bowl.
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The seamer has since taken 505 wickets across all formats in her career, including for other teams such as Sunrisers Leeds, Manchester Originals, Perth Scorchers, list goes on.
And she has been hailed by her current Lancashire captain, and close mate, Ellie Threlkeld.
“A player like that is a bit irreplaceable, really,” said the wicketkeeper-batter. “You can't just magic an Academy player and give them all that international experience and experience of playing around the world.
“And such a consistent level of skill!
“We have got some exciting talent coming through, which is brilliant. But, ultimately, a player like that is irreplaceable.
“Hopefully the advice and everything she's given to the younger girls will stand them in good stead.
“I'm looking forward to what next year looks like.”
Threlkeld continued: “She's a dream to captain.
“She's so reliable, not just up top, but can bowl at any phase of the game. She's someone you turn to at any phase to take you a wicket and quite often she does that.
“But not only that, she's always at mid-on and mid-off, which makes my job as captain behind the stumps so much easier when you've got a senior player there.
“And ultimately, she's been part of every single dressing room I've ever known.
“It's going to be quite an emotional few weeks knowing that she's not going to be around next year. But, what an incredible career.
“And, hopefully, we can finish the season in a way that's going to give her the best finish to an unbelievable career.”
Cross’s retirement has been no great surprise to Threlkeld, though, who said: “I think it's something that's been openly on her radar after she signed a one-year deal with us.
“At the end of last year, obviously, she had a bit of a tricky summer losing her England contract. This year was just sort of leaving it open to see what happens.
“Like she said in interviews, I think she's run out of a bit of steam, and people say that when you know, you know.
“She definitely feels like the time's right for her now, which is, as a friend, really pleasing that she's happy with that decision. I think that's all you can ask for - your mates to be happy. And they've got to do what's right for them.
“As a captain, I'm gutted.
“Obviously, I want her around as much as possible and don't want her to ever leave.
“But, as a friend, I definitely think it's the right decision for her, from what she said. I wish her all the best in the future, and who knows what that looks like for her?
“She's got all sorts she could probably go into.
“But I think she's left an unbelievable legacy, not just at the club but in women's cricket in general in the North West.
“She's always been someone to challenge and to fight for what's right.
“And it feels like she's really paved the way for what professional cricket looks like in Lancashire. I know the club are so proud of her. She's a real Lancashire legend, and always will be.”
It is the same situation for all-rounder Fi Morris, who is retiring at the end of the summer, bringing down the curtain on an impressive four seasons in Lancashire colours. She will also play her final home game this Sunday.
“Hopefully we’ll have some fun in these last few weeks,” smiled Threlkeld.
To the qualification picture.
Lancashire have won their last four matches either side of the break for The Hundred to elevate themselves to fifth in the table on 27 points. They are five points behind third-placed Warwickshire with a game in hand and 15 points still to play for.
Durham have lost their last three games to all but slip out of contention.
Lancashire need to keep winning, though. Their unsettled start to the campaign has left them with little room for manoeuvre as they bid to defend the title they won late last September.
Lancashire beat Surrey by 10 runs on DLS at Farington on Wednesday, while Durham were beaten at home by Hampshire, who chased down 201 to win by nine wickets.
Captained by batter Hollie Armitage, they are coached by ex-England spinner Dani Hazell. She represented Lancashire Thunder back in the Kia Super League days.
Lancashire beat Durham at Banks Homes Riverside on the opening day of the season back in April.
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