AN England cricketer from Bury has been named in a list of 100 of the most inspirational women in Greater Manchester.

England Women, Lancashire Thunder and LCB Women’s pace bowler Kate Cross was included in the list revealed by Greater Manchester Business Week on International Women’s Day. Walshaw-born Miss Cross joins a mix of female trailblazers on the list – high-profile and influential women including entrepreneurs, sports women, lawyers, fashion icons, artists and politicians.

Miss Cross, from Heywood Cricket Club, made her debut for Lancashire county age group as a 13-year-old and was the first female to be accepted on to Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Academy at the age of 15.

The former Bury Grammar School pupil made her England Women T20 debut against West Indies in Barbados in 2013, followed by her One Day International debut in Trinidad the same year. 2014 saw her making her Test debut in the Ashes at the WACA, Western Australia.

Kate said: “For girls like me, when we were 10 we could never consider cricket as a career, cricket always came second. Fortunately times have changed and due to the hard work of many people in cricket and in sport to raise the profile of women’s sport, there are definitely more opportunities for young girls to progress in their chosen sport and make a living from it.”

The list was unveiled during a private event held at the Principal Manchester on International Women’s Day with guest speaker Dr Erinma Bell, the influential Manchester peace activist.