England Women: 'Fines master' Kate Cross on ODI wins and final T20I

England Women's Kate Cross on being the 'fines master', Sarah Taylor's milestone and Sunday's deciding T20I at the Bullring.

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100 is the Magic Number 

After our successful start to the one-day international campaign we were looking forward to the opportunity to play the second encounter at SuperSport Park in Centurion, and hoping to wrap up the series. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. 

After a bit of a shaky start, the batting unit managed to post a competitive total thanks to a great 10th-wicket partnership from Danielle Hazell and the Hoof (Anya Shrubsole).

In the field, unfortunately strike bowler Katherine Brunt had to bow out of the match due to injury in the 10th over, which was a huge blow to the bowling unit - we never really looked ourselves, and the South African girls crossed the line thanks to an impressive innings by Lizelle Lee.

Although we lost at Centurion and the series was level at 1-1 it won't take away what a special day we all shared with Sarah Taylor, who, before the game, was presented with her 100th ODI cap from former England Women's World Cup-winning captain, Karen Smithies.

Not many people can say they have represented their country that many times and we are all really proud of Sarah and what she has achieved. I think it was even more fitting that she got that cap at Centurion!

Series Decider/Valentine's Special 

It was then to the Wanderers on Valentine's Day where the series decider was played at the Bullring. What a ground that is, by the way!

Due to Katherine's injury it meant I got an opportunity to play, and it is always a special day when you pull your England shirt on. We bowled first and restricted South Africa to 196, and we then knocked them off to take the series 2-1.

The batting performance was steadied by Heather (Knight) and Georgia (Elwiss) who also managed to bag her maiden ODI half century. I'm really pleased I was there to see it. Well done G! 

Special mention as well goes to Trev (Heather) for picking up player of the match as well as player of the series.  

Guateng Cricket had kindly given us all a red rose before the game and Heather offered hers to me, so I'm putting her success down to that! Everybody loves the red rose after all. 

After a series win the changing room is always a very happy place, and it meant we were able to belt out the new team song. There were also a few nerves around as it was our first rendition in front of Queen Clare Connor! Talk about pressure to perform!

The ODI series contributes towards the ICC Women's Championship table which leads to qualification for the Women's World Cup in England next year, so it was good to get some more wins on the board. Double bonus! 

The day was completed nicely with a fines meeting in the dressing room. I was fines master this trip which was good fun. Safe to say Robbo (Mark Robinson) picked the most fines up with Katherine Brunt coming in a close second, mostly because she contested all her fines. Schoolgirl error, Brunty!

This is where I left the girls to take on South Africa in a three-match T20 series, and I'm writing this now with the scoreline once again poised at 1-1.

Exactly seven days on from the ODI series decider at the Wanderers, the girls will be back there tomorrow, with the action live on Sky Sports 2 from 7.55am UK time. Tune in and send them your support!

Crossy (Kate Cross, England Women's fast bowler)

Watch England Women's T20I series decider with South Africa from 7.55am, Sunday, Sky Sports 2. Then catch the men in action from 12pm on the same channel.

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