BURY’S Kate Cross has been named as the new captain of Lancashire Thunder for the 2019 Kia Super League.

The 27-year-old pace bowler replaces Dani Hazell as skipper following her retirement and move to become head coach of the Yorkshire Diamonds.

Cross made her Lancashire debut at the age of just 13 and became the first girl to be accepted into the Lancashire Academy at 15.

She won her first England cap in 2013 and has played for Thunder in every edition of the KSL. 

Cross has also enjoyed two spells at the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia with Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been offered the opportunity to captain Lancashire Thunder in the Kia Super League this summer.

“I have been proud to represent the Red Rose for 14 years now and I am hugely excited to lead this fantastic group of girls.

“Dani was a superb captain and we wish her all the best as head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds.

“It is my hope we can build on the great progress made last year.”

Head coach Alex Blackwell said: “I’m really pleased Kate has accepted our offer and I believe she will do a fantastic job.

“I was really impressed with Kate as a cricketer and a leader in 2018 and her strong relationship with the squad will be crucial, as will the experiences she will be able to pass on to the younger players.”

The announcement came after the England and Wales Cricket Board’s confirmation of their allocation of England players for this year’s competition.

Cross, Alex Hartley and Sophie Ecclestone, who all play their county cricket for the Red Rose, will once again represent Thunder.