Inspirational Kate Cross continues to fuel next generation's dream

Kate Cross helped England to keep the Ashes alive as she played a crucial role in helping the home team win the first ODI of the three-matches series. The cricketer hit 19* runs off 20 deliveries as England managed to win the match by two wickets. After getting over the line, Cross was absolutely delighted as she celebrated with her teammates and the support staff.

Meanwhile, congratulating her after the innings, one of the fans on Twitter pointed out the fact that the cricketer is inspiring the upcoming generation as well. Notably, in the picture, one of her young fans was spotted wearing her from The Hundred as the cricketer reacted with a teary-eyed and a love emoji.

🥹❤️ https://t.co/nS2FePZG4G

— Kate Cross (@katecross16) July 13, 2023

England register their highest-ever successful run chase in women’s ODI history

Batting first, Australia started well as Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry built a strong partnership of 61 runs after Alyssa Healy's departure. However, neither of the cricketers could take their game to the next level as Beth Mooney then played a brilliant knock of 81* runs off 99 deliveries to help Australia post 263 runs in the first innings. Notably, the English bowlers were incredible throughout, as Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt picked up two wickets each.

Despite so, 263 looked heavy, as England had never chased something quite like that in the past. However, Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight were excellent with the bat to pull off a thrilling win in Bristol. The opener scored 47 runs off 42 deliveries, while skipper Knight hit 75* runs off 86 deliveries.

However, wickets were falling on a regular basis, and thus, it was not easy for the home team in the middle. Knight nevertheless built a solid partnership with Cross towards the fag end, which helped the team win the match by two wickets. With that, the women’s team also registered their highest successful run chase in the history of the format. Notably, the women’s Ashes is currently locked level as the remaining two matches will be very crucial to decide the fate of the tournament.