Kate Cross could be key player in World Cup, says England women's cricket captain

The 34-year-old was at St Catherine’s Academy in Bolton yesterday to pass on her tips to the next generation of Lancashire women players as part of the ‘Chance to Shine’ initiative.

And she praised the latest product to roll off the Lancashire Women’s Cricket production line for the impact she has made in the past six months.

She said: “Kate has done really well for us. Her performances against the West Indies and also in the Ashes were great.

“I think she is going to have a big future in the womens’ game and she could help to inspire young girls to take up the sport.

“Kate is in the squad for the World Cup and it is very exciting time.

“Our preparations are going well and hopefully that will transfer to the pitch in Bangladesh.

“We have been wanting to win it since 2009 and after winning the Ashes earlier this year then we want to add the World Cup to that.

“Every area needs a role model and if Kate can kick on then she will encourage more players from the area.”

Edwards was giving a batting masterclass to members of the Lancashire County Girls squads, taking them through drills in the morning and she also worked with players aged 15 and upwards in the afternoon.

Jennifer Laycock, Lancashire Cricket Board development officer, said: “Charlotte is a ‘Chance to Shine’ ambassador and we applied to get her to come and help some young players.

“It is great to have her here and I know the girls will benefit from Charlotte’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

“We had local cricketers as well as lots of people from Cheshire and Cumbria taking part in the sessions.

“It is easy to get young girls interested in playing but we also got a few 30-year-olds taking part in the sessions.

“That is another area we are looking at improving because females trying to go into a male-dominated sport find it hard.

“We are wanting to break down the barriers.”