LONDON — England seamer Kate Cross has urged fans and critics to temper expectations as the national women’s cricket team continues its rebuild following the "scarring" 16-0 Ashes thrashing earlier this year. Speaking ahead of England’s upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, Cross emphasized the need for patience, admitting the squad is still recovering from the psychological toll of the historic defeat.
The multi-format Ashes series, played in Australia in January and February, saw England endure one of their heaviest losses in history. The tourists failed to win a single match across three ODIs, three T20Is, and a Test, with Australia dominating every facet of the game. Cross, who played in four of the seven matches, described the experience as "one of the toughest tours mentally and physically we’ve ever faced."
The Aftermath of the Ashes Defeat
Cross revealed that the scale of the defeat had left deep scars within the squad, requiring significant time to heal. "When you lose that heavily, it’s not just about the results—it’s about confidence, belief, and how you move forward," she said. England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, has since implemented a long-term rebuilding strategy, focusing on:
- Youth development – integrating younger players into the setup
- Mental resilience – working with sports psychologists
- Tactical evolution – adapting to modern T20 and ODI demands
Despite recent improvements, including a competitive showing in the T20 World Cup, Cross stressed that England’s progress should not be judged too soon. "We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re moving in the right direction. It’s a process, and people need to understand that."
Rebuilding Trust and Confidence
One of the biggest challenges has been restoring self-belief among the players. Cross admitted that the Ashes defeat had shaken the team’s confidence, particularly in high-pressure situations. "When you lose that many games in a row, doubt creeps in. It takes time to shake that off."
England’s recent performances, however, have shown signs of recovery. A 2-1 T20 series win over Pakistan in May and competitive outings against stronger sides have provided glimpses of progress. Cross pointed to the emergence of young talents like Alice Capsey and Lauren Filer as reasons for optimism. "The younger players bring energy and fearlessness. They haven’t been through the same setbacks, so they play with freedom—it’s refreshing."
The Road Ahead: New Zealand Series
England’s upcoming series against New Zealand, starting next week, will be another test of their resilience. The White Ferns, though inconsistent, remain a formidable opponent, particularly in home conditions. Cross acknowledged the challenge but remained hopeful. "Every series is a chance to grow. We’re not expecting miracles, but we want to keep building on the small wins."
Key Areas for Improvement
Cross highlighted several areas where England must improve to compete with the world’s best:
- Batting depth – reducing reliance on top-order stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Death bowling – closing out innings more effectively
- Fielding consistency – cutting out costly errors
Despite the challenges, Cross remained adamant that England’s long-term vision would pay off. "We’re not asking for excuses—just time. This team has the talent; we just need to let it flourish."
Fan Expectations and Media Pressure
The seamer also addressed the external pressures facing the team, particularly from media and fans accustomed to England’s past successes. "People remember the 2017 World Cup win and expect that level all the time. But cricket evolves, and so do teams. We’re in a transition phase, and that’s okay."
Cross’s comments come amid growing scrutiny over England’s performances, with some pundits questioning whether the current squad can reclaim its place among the elite. However, she remained defiant, insisting that progress is being made behind the scenes. "The scoreboard doesn’t always show it, but we’re learning, adapting, and growing. Give us time, and we’ll get back to where we belong."