Cross Returns as ENG Announces Women's Ashes Squad

England's Kate Cross has overcome a back spasm sustained during the recent series against South Africa to secure her place in the Women’s Ashes squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Cross, 33, missed the one-off Test against South Africa but has been named in both the ODI and Test squads for the multi-format Ashes series. 

Heather Knight will lead the team across all formats, with the series consisting of three ODIs, three T20s, and a four-day Test match. All-rounder Danielle Gibson, sidelined during the South Africa tour due to a knee injury, also makes her return. 

New faces in the Ashes squad include Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, and Bess Heath, while Ryana MacDonald-Gay retains her red-ball spot following a promising Test debut earlier this month. Head coach Jon Lewis emphasised the squad's blend of youth and experience, expressing excitement about the series and the team’s determination to play their brand of cricket. 

Key players like Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge are set to feature across all formats. 

The tour begins with a 50-over warm-up against the Governor General's XI on January 9, followed by ODIs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart. The T20 series will be played in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, with the Test match scheduled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting January 30. 

The previous Ashes in 2023 ended in a draw, and fans can follow the 2025 series with live commentary on BBC Sounds and highlights on the BBC Sport website. 

England squads for Women's Ashes

ODI squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

T20 squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Test squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Women's Ashes 2025 schedule

11 January: First ODI, Sydney (23:30 GMT)

13 January: Second ODI, Melbourne (23:05 GMT)

16 January: Third ODI, Hobart (23:05 GMT)

20 January: First T20, Sydney (08:40 GMT)

23 January: Second T20, Canberra (08:40 GMT)

25 January: Third T20, Adelaide (08:10 GMT)

30 January-2 February: One-off Test, Melbourne (03:30 GMT)