IRE vs ENG: “I’m Going To Do It Kate Cross’ Way”- Kate Cross On Her Captaincy

With Ireland set to take on England in a highly anticipated T20 series, Gaby Lewis stands at the helm, ready to lead her team into battle with a sense of purpose and fearlessness. After a successful campaign against Sri Lanka, the Irish women’s cricket team is riding high on momentum, and Lewis, as captain, is determined to continue their upward trajectory.

In the press conference ahead of the series, Lewis reflected on the team’s preparation, the significance of playing against England, and how the team has grown over recent years. There’s an unmistakable air of confidence in her voice as she discusses what lies ahead for her squad.

Coming off a series victory against Sri Lanka, Lewis acknowledges the excitement brewing within the team. Playing at Stormont, a venue where the team has tasted success, adds to their confidence. “We’re hugely excited to be back up in Stormont. We have had great success here in the Sri Lanka series. So we’re looking forward to getting back out there,” she shared.

That momentum is crucial as they prepare to face England, even though their opposition will be missing several key players. But for Lewis, that doesn’t change Ireland’s approach. “Whatever team they put out, we’re ready to take them on. If we beat England, we beat England.”

The belief within the Irish camp has been strengthened by their recent performances. A warm-up win against Australia only added to their growing confidence, further proof that on their day, they can compete with the best. “We’ve gone from strength to strength in the last while. We’ve got great youngsters coming through,” Lewis proudly noted. The captain sees this as a moment to shine on the international stage, to show that Ireland can hang with the top cricketing nations.

When asked what has been the biggest difference in their game, Lewis credits a shift in mindset. “It’s kind of what we’ve built the last few years. The kind of style we want to play, playing with freedom. It’s really starting to show now that we’ve got so many match-winners in the team.”

This transformation hasn’t come overnight. Under Laura Delany’s leadership, the Irish team laid the foundation for a fearless brand of cricket, and Lewis has carried that forward during Delany’s injury layoff. The transition has been seamless, with the captain fully backing her teammates to take responsibility and play the way they want.

Lewis herself has relished the opportunity to lead. While she admits it’s bittersweet to be stepping in for Delany, who is sidelined, she’s confident in the squad’s ability to maintain the standard. “I’m just trying to keep what Laura has built going,” she says. Leadership, for Lewis, is about trust. “I like to kind of take responsibility, but it’s about having trust in the players to perform.”

Ireland’s recent success does not mean they can afford to relax. Lewis is adamant that complacency won’t creep into their preparations. “We’ve had a really good finish in the Sri Lanka series, but we’re not getting complacent. We know we can still improve and push on.”

The captain emphasizes the importance of maintaining high morale and staying focused on continuous improvement. “That’s what I love about this group — we never settle. We always want to be better, train better.” That hunger for growth is what Lewis believes will propel them to new heights.

Though England’s squad is not at full strength, a series win over them would send a powerful message. “It’d be absolutely huge. It’s something we’re looking toward,” Lewis declared. Ireland has been through a difficult period, missing out on World Cup qualification, but Lewis sees this as an opportunity to flip that disappointment into a driving force. “We’ve kind of turned it into a positive, and we’re really driving toward a strong home summer.”

Victory over England would provide not just a morale boost but also solidify the progress Ireland has made. It’s a chance to show the cricketing world that Ireland is on the rise and ready to compete with the best.

Lewis is equally excited about the next wave of talent coming through the ranks. With young players stepping up and making their mark, the future of Irish cricket looks bright. “It’s hugely exciting for that group of girls in the senior squad, and we’ve got great talent coming through.”

One player who has garnered much attention is Orla Prendergast, recently picked in the WBBL draft. Lewis couldn’t hide her pride. “We’re hugely excited for her. It didn’t come as a surprise to us. It’s only a matter of time before she was recognized on that world stage.” For Lewis, it’s a sign of things to come, with more Irish players likely to earn recognition in international leagues.

Beyond the results on the field, Lewis understands the importance of her role as a leader in growing the game in Ireland. The support they’ve received in recent matches has been heartening, and she’s committed to engaging with young fans. “It’s hugely important to us to engage with the young girls coming up. We want to be role models for them, and the more we do that, the more cricket will grow in Ireland.”

Her passion for the future of Irish cricket is palpable, and it’s clear that Lewis is not just focused on immediate results, but on leaving a lasting legacy for the women’s game.

As Ireland prepares for their series against England, Lewis remains focused on the task at hand. While England may not have their World Cup squad on the field, Ireland is ready to take them on, prepared and full of belief. “No matter what team we play against, we’re ready.”

Gaby Lewis has no doubt that this series is another opportunity for Ireland to show the world just how far they’ve come. As she leads her team into battle, the Irish captain is driven by the desire to win, but also by the vision of a brighter future for women’s cricket in Ireland. “We’re ready to go, and we believe we can beat them.” Ireland’s charge is being led by a captain who embodies confidence, courage, and an unwavering belief in her team’s ability.

“With The Unique Circumstances Of The World Cup Squad Overlapping With This Tour, The Opportunity Came. You Just Want To Take It With Both Hands!”- Kate Cross

As Kate Cross steps into the role of captain for England in their upcoming series against Ireland, the sense of pride and excitement is palpable. For a player who has built a reputation as a consistent performer and a dedicated team member, this opportunity represents something more profound—an unexpected yet thrilling chapter in her cricketing journey.

“It’s probably just starting to sink in now,” Cross reflects with a wide smile.

“We’ve had a couple of days’ prep in Loughborough, and we just got to the ground now—sunshine in, and the reality of playing a game of cricket tomorrow and captaining your country is starting to hit. It’s what dreams are made of.”

Cross’ enthusiasm for leading her country is undeniable, though, as she admits, it wasn’t something she always envisioned. Despite captaining regional teams like Lancashire Thunder and the Manchester Originals, captaining England seemed like a far-off possibility.

“I didn’t really think about it,” she shares. “When I got the chance to captain Thunder and then Manchester [Originals], that was special. I thought it might end there. But with the unique circumstances of the World Cup squad overlapping with this tour, the opportunity came, and you just want to take it with both hands.”

With several senior players absent due to their involvement in the T20 World Cup, Cross is leading a relatively inexperienced squad. For many players, it will be their first time donning an England shirt in an ODI, and Cross understands the importance of easing any nerves while emphasizing the opportunity at hand.

“It’s going to be quite a nervous day for a lot of people,” she says, acknowledging that for some, this is the first step in what could be long and successful international careers. “But my main message is to enjoy it. I’ve been lucky to have a long international career, and for some of these girls, this could be the start of that. It feels like there’s a lot at stake for people in their own way, but that could be what makes this series special.”

Cross is also mindful of the significance of the three ODIs, which carry ICC Women’s Championship points as England aims to qualify for the next World Cup. Balancing the weight of these matches with the excitement of giving new players a platform to perform is a challenge she’s ready to embrace.

“The ambition is to win,” she states. “These are important games for us, but the messaging is that even though some of the girls may not have a lot of international experience, they’ve been selected for their performances in regional cricket and the Hundred. The expectation is there.”

Ireland may not be a team England faces often, but they’re far from unknown. Many of Ireland’s players have been plying their trade in the Hundred and regional competitions, giving England some insight into their strengths and playing styles.

“We’ve seen a few of the Irish girls in the Hundred, so there’s a bit of familiarity there,” Cross explains. “But it’s mostly about us and what we do well. That’s been the message from our head coach, Jon Lewis. If we can focus on our strengths, we’ll go up against most teams.”

Despite England being the favourites, Cross remains aware of the challenge Ireland presents. Fresh off a successful series against Sri Lanka and eager to prove themselves after narrowly missing out on World Cup qualification, the Irish team is expected to come out firing.

“They’ve obviously had a good run recently,” she says. “There’s always a point to prove, and I think Ireland will relish the chance to play against England. It’s going to be a great series to watch.”

For Cross, this series is not just about the results. It’s about the experience of leading her country and finding her own leadership style. Having played under legendary captains like Charlotte Edwards and Heather Knight, she’s had plenty of role models to learn from.

“The advice I’ve been given is to do it my way,” she says with determination. “There’s a reason I’ve been asked to do this, and I don’t want to come away with any regrets. I’ve had some brilliant leaders—Charlotte Edwards gave me my cap, and Heather’s been a great support. But I’m going to do it Kate Cross’ way.”

As someone who has always been a vocal presence on the field, Cross plans to lead with authenticity, trusting her instincts while enjoying every moment. The significance of the occasion isn’t lost on her, but she hopes to keep her emotions in check.

“I hope I’m not too emotional,” she admits with a laugh.

“The tour comes so thick and fast that I’m hoping it dawns on me toward the back end of it. I just want to enjoy the opportunity. It might not come again, but if it does, I’ll be ready. I want my overriding feeling to be one of enjoyment and to come away with no regrets.”

With the sun shining and anticipation building, Cross looks ahead to the first ODI with a sense of pride—not just for herself, but for her teammates, some of whom are about to experience their debut in an England shirt.

“Debut days are really special,” she reflects. “It reminds me why I play cricket. Receiving my first England cap was an incredible moment, and I think that kind of excitement resonates within a group. We’ve got a few debuts tomorrow, and I just want it to be a special occasion for all of us.”

For Kate Cross, leading England is more than just a moment in the spotlight. It’s an opportunity to leave her mark on the team, inspire the next generation of players, and showcase what makes her leadership style uniquely hers.

As the first ball is bowled, Cross will be looking not only to guide England to victory but to savour every moment of this unexpected yet richly deserved opportunity.

Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.