LANCASHIRE'S Kate Cross has been named in the England women's cricket squad for next month's limited overs tour of New Zealand.

The 23-year-old from Walshaw, who is the daughter of former Wanderers star David Cross, has been a regular in the England set-up for 18 months and takes her place in the 15-strong touring party that will play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 clashes.

Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “This year is hugely important for England women, with the home Women’s Ashes series fast approaching.

"However, in respect of the ICC Women’s Championship and ultimately qualification for the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England, this series against New Zealand carries exactly the same significance as the series against Australia later in the summer.

"The first three ODIs between England and New Zealand will count directly towards qualification for that World Cup, and New Zealand are a very good team, so there’s no question that this will be a tough tour.”

The first three ODIs in New Zealand on February 11, 13 and 15 take place at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

The teams then travel to Whangarei to play back-to-back T20s at the Cobham Oval on February 19 and 20, before finishing the tour with the third T20 and two remaining ODIs on February 24, 26 and 28 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.