‘They’re going to come back hard at us’ – Kate Cross ahead of second ODI against Australia women in ongoing Women’s Ashes

Kate Cross. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)

On Sunday, July 16, England and Australia will play the second ODI in the ongoing Women’s Ashes at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Southampton. The hosts pulled off a brilliant effort, winning the first ODI at the Gloucestershire Cricket Stadium in Bristol to level the series with Australia.

The 2023 Women’s Ashes began with a one-off Test, which was followed by a three-match T20I series. Australia won the Test match, while the hosts clinched the T20I series 2-1.

Ahead of the second ODI, England’s star pacer Kate Cross feels that both teams would be under pressure while coming for the match. The 31-year-old also admitted that the tourists will come back hard to them, adding that they are the world’s best squad for a reason.

“They’re going to come back hard at us, they’re the best team in the world for a reason,” Cross told Sky Sports.

🗣️ “They’re going to come back hard at us, they’re the best team in the world for a reason.”

England’s Kate Cross thinks both sides will be feeling the pressure ahead of the second ODI. pic.twitter.com/WE2XG7SRoQ

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 15, 2023

England defeats Australia by two wickets to tie the Women’s Ashes

Heather Knight-led England outplayed Australia by two wickets in the first ODI series to tie the ongoing Women’s Ashes series. After winning the toss, Australia batted first and set a 264-run target for the hosts. Beth Mooney top-scored for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 81 off 99 deliveries. Meanwhile, Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets each, while Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Alice Capsey took a wicket each.

Knight played a match-winning innings during the chase to overcome Alyssa Healy and Co. She struck an 86-ball 75 runs, which included six boundaries and a maximum. As a result, Heather was adjudged the Player of the Match. While on the Australian front, Ashleigh Gardner was crucial for her side by claiming a three-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Georgia Wareham grabbed two, and Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, and Jess Jonassen made one scalp each.