Kate Cross Blog: 'Women's Ashes series is not over yet'

Sky Sports blogger Kate Cross explores the historic sights of Canterbury, ends up in a cat box and explains why the Women's Ashes isn't over yet....

For a northern lass like myself, the road to Canterbury for our Test was a pretty long one.  

We met up as a squad on the Saturday afternoon prior to the match, but luckily for me I was on media duties at Trent Bridge in the morning with Lauren. This meant my six-hour journey got nicely split up and I almost got to the see the men regain the Ashes.

We had two radio stints to do before the start of what was the final day of the fourth Test. One was with Greg James, Graeme Swann and Jimmy Anderson, which was pretty cool because we got to do it on the outfield of the ground.

Greg even managed to get hold of Alastair Cook's actual England blazer and a replica Ashes Urn. Photo opportunities like that can't be missed…

We managed to see the first two wickets of the morning before we needed to get back on the road. Unfortunately, just as we got to our cars we heard the roar of the final wicket being taken. However, it was incredible getting the opportunity to be at Trent Bridge that day. The atmosphere was electric and we are so pleased for the lads that they have regained the Urn in such convincing fashion.

Canterbury Tales

For an A-level English Literature student who studied Chaucer in sixth form, I loved exploring Canterbury. The centre is so very British. So much so I found myself stopping all the time to take photos; such a tourist! But in fairness, the Cathedral is absolutely stunning.

Due to a pretty long journey and a couple of hungry bellies on the first evening, my roomie Sarah Taylor and I decided to order some room service. We were quite surprised when it turned up as it looked like we had apparently ordered two cats… I'm not sure I have even come across this technique to cover food up, but having said that – we were in Canterbury. I promise there is only a risotto and a salad under there!

Obviously, the next thing to do with these cat boxes was to get in them.  Yes, I am 23…

Tough day at the office

The four days at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, were some of the hardest I have had to deal with in international cricket. Just like our ODI series we found ourselves outplayed by Australia and absolute credit to them all for winning the Kia Women's Test match and leading the series 8-2 on points with three NatWest T20s to play. The better team won convincingly. We make no excuses for our poor performance.

As a team we have had to front up to what were four very disappointing days of cricket. We know we let ourselves down with the bat in both innings and that is something we will go away and take individual responsibility for. I feel, however, that some performances did go under the radar…

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Seeing Georgia Elwiss being awarded her Test cap was a really special moment for us as a team, and watching her get us close to saving the match on debut was superb. Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt's bowling performances were another example - especially the way Katherine came out firing in the second innings to get us back into the game. She is the perfect example of playing the game with passion and pride and a lot of young bowlers (including myself) can learn a lot from her.

We knew before this Women's Ashes series started, that with all the support we now get and with every ball being broadcast live on Sky Sports and BBC Radio, that we are constantly on display for the world to see us.  

With this platform, we know that our performances will be scrutinised like never before. It is no surprise therefore that this week has seen a lot of comment and analysis about the women's game in the media – and not a lot of it was particularly glowing! 

But we must take some heart from this – it is incredible to see so many people talking about women's cricket, and having an opinion on it. It just shows how far the game has come, and is testament to the fact that we are involved in an unprecedented time for women's sport. And believe me, we are learning from this experience and it will make us a stronger team moving forwards.

Live Women's Ashes

This Women's Ashes series is not over yet. We are effectively now in a World Cup quarter-final situation - we have to win every game to lift the trophy. I can honestly tell you that our desire to win is like never before.  

We are desperate to play some very good cricket and keep this series alive and I can guarantee that every single player will come out fighting at a sold out Essex County Ground in Chelmsford on the 26th August.

So tune in, send us your support and keep getting behind us!

Crossy

Kate Cross, England women's fast bowler

Watch the next instalment of the Women's Ashes live on Sky Sports Ashes from 6.30pm on Wednesday 26th August when England Women and Australia Women contest the first of three Twenty20 internationals.