She retires having been capped 102 times across formats for her country, most recently in 2025, and after a 21-year career with Lancashire, whom she first represented aged 13.

“When I look back on my career, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude,” Cross said. “To go from playing junior cricket at Heywood to pulling on a Lancashire shirt, and then an England shirt, has been beyond anything I dreamed of as a kid.

“I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my career, and every team-mate, past and present, who I’ve shared a dressing room with. I’ve certainly had plenty of highs and lows throughout my career and they’ve always been there for me. Thank you to the coaches and backroom staff who have worked with me and helped me improve every step of the way, and to the Lancashire and England supporters who have got behind me and the team throughout my career.

“Lancashire has been a constant throughout my career, and I’ll always be incredibly proud to have represented the Red Rose. Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground has been my second home, and I’m proud to have been part of the growth of the women’s game in recent years.

“Winning two trophies with Lancashire in 2025 was really special and will always be one of the highlights of my career. To do that in a Lancashire shirt, having been part of the club for so many years, meant a huge amount to me.

“Retiring hasn’t been an easy decision, but it feels like the right time. I’m excited to see what comes next, and I hope to stay involved in the game I love. Before that though, I look forward to playing out the rest of the season with Lancashire as we look to challenge for more silverware.”

Cross made her England debut on the tour of the Caribbean in 2013 and produced one of her most-memorable performances that winter’s Ashes. On Test debut in Perth, she had match figures of 6 for 70 to bowl England to victory and help them retain the Women’s Ashes – the last they prevailed against their oldest rivals.

She was the first woman to join Lancashire’s academy and has taken 239 wickets for the county, helping them to win a white-ball double in 2025. Cross also collected a Hundred winner’s medal last year, having crossed the Pennines to play at Headingley for Northern Superchargers.

David Thorley, Lancashire’s director of women’s cricket, said: “On behalf of our playing group and staff, I would like to thank Kate for her commitment and unwavering dedication to the club.

“Kate has played such an important role in driving the day-to-day standards here at Lancashire Cricket. She has been an integral part of the dressing room culture and has consistently set an example through her professionalism, work ethic and commitment to the team. She will undoubtedly be a huge loss to us, both on and off the field.

“Kate has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of women’s cricket during her time at Lancashire, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to the club.

“Congratulations to Kate on an incredible career. We wish her all the very best for life after professional cricket and hope she looks back on her time at Lancashire with immense pride.”