BURY cricketer Kate Cross has been highlighted as a potential international captain by women’s World Cup winner Ebony Rainsford-Brent.

Retired Rainsford-Brent won the World Cup with England in 2009, and fast bowler Cross is currently in New Zealand for a five one-day and three Twenty20 matches, with England’s preparations for the 2017 competition at an early stage.

Twenty-three-year-old Cross has enjoyed a memorable 12 months, taking six wickets in each of her only two Test appearances, including on her debut against Australia at Perth last January as England won the Ashes.

She also helped Lancashire win the one-day County Championship Division Two title in the summer, gaining promotion to the top tier of women’s cricket.

“I think Kate’s set for a brilliant career, and I don’t see why she can’t captain England in the future,” said Rainsford-Brent, part of BBC Radio’s commentary team for Wednesday’s opening match against the White Ferns.

“Looking at the team and how they’re lined up, they are looking at Heather Knight as the next captain (after Charlotte Edwards). She’s vice now with a good few years ahead of her.

“But I wouldn’t say there’s anything stopping Kate after that. She has a good cricket brain on her.

“I wouldn’t be pinning hopes on her now, but I would keep that idea open. You never know, that’s an option.

“I knew her coming up through the ranks, and she always had a bit about her, not just her bowling skill but personality and character too.

“What was brilliant was the way she stepped up in the Ashes last year. She came on board, and there were times when I thought she looked better than any of the bowlers with more experience.

“She’s just got this ability to take wickets, and the way she’s cemented herself in the squad shows what sort of character she is.

“She has come along a little bit later than some of the others. Holly Colvin, for example, came in at 16. Kate came in early twenties, which I think is good because she came in with that little bit of extra maturity.

“If she keeps the energy that she’s got at present, she’ll go far.”

Rainsford-Brent will also be part of BBC Radio’s commentary team for the men’s World Cup, starting Saturday.