Kate Cross has been ruled out of the pivotal Women's Ashes Test due to a persistent back injury. This setback comes as England gears up for the Melbourne Test, a crucial match that could turn the tide in the ongoing series. England's captain, Heather Knight, is set to lead the team for the 199th time in her career across all formats.
The team faces immense pressure, having lost all six white-ball matches on the tour so far. They are determined to avoid a 16-0 clean sweep, an unprecedented outcome in the history of the multi-format series. The Melbourne Test offers England a unique chance to exhibit their best cricket and prove their mettle.
"There's a lot of hurt and disappointment around how this tour has gone," – Heather Knight
Kate Cross has been battling the same back injury since December and has missed several games, including three one-day internationals. She was not part of the T20 squad for the Ashes series. Despite nearing full fitness, she remains unable to perform at her peak level.
"Kate is pretty much close to full fitness now, but just not quite at the pace and the performance that we know she can reach at her best," – Heather Knight
"A Test match is four days, so she will miss out and it is a real shame for her." – Heather Knight
The English squad includes promising seamers Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who are expected to spearhead the attack. England will also field an extra batter, Sophia Dunkley, in the Test match. The Test win holds significant value, offering four points, while a draw would yield two points each.
England's performance on this tour echoes their struggles in the 2022 series in Australia, where they went winless but managed to earn four points. The current squad is focused on this week's matches, though speculation swirls around head coach Jon Lewis's future.
"We haven't shown what we are capable of as a team, but we want to do that this week and show our character to the fans that are here and watching back home." – Heather Knight
Heather Knight has yet to confirm her future as captain post-series, indicating a focus on immediate challenges rather than long-term decisions. As England prepares for this critical Test, they are keenly aware of the opportunity to redeem themselves and demonstrate their potential.
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