16 Jul, 2025 | 07:40 AM
England seamer Kate Cross has called on her team to stay calm in pressure moments as they head into the ODI leg of their home series against India, looking to bounce back from a 2-3 defeat in the preceding T20I series.
With the Women’s World Cup just weeks away, the upcoming three-match ODI series holds significant importance for both sides — particularly for hosts India, who will also stage the global tournament.
Cross, returning to the ODI squad after missing the T20Is, joined Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb in being added to the group for the 50-over leg. Reflecting on the T20 series, Cross acknowledged that while England snatched two thrilling last-ball wins, the team is aiming to improve their ability to control and close out games earlier.
“We won some really key moments under pressure and managed to win two really close games,” Cross said. “But we don’t want to be in those positions. We want to kill games sooner and be more clinical.”
Cross praised the team’s composure in their last two victories, particularly at Edgbaston where England overcame a dramatic collapse to edge past India in the final over. “It certainly looked like we were calmer under pressure on Saturday, and that’s the sign of a team moving in the right direction.”
England go into the ODIs with a clean slate, Cross said, adding, “It’s a fresh start. We’re nil-nil again now. It’s an opportunity to get a win on the board and go one-nil up in the series.”
India, however, will remain a formidable opponent. Opener Smriti Mandhana was the standout batter in the T20Is, amassing 221 runs, including her maiden T20I century in the opener at Trent Bridge. “It’s always nice how narratives are created when you play the same team across formats,” said Cross. “Mandhana is a key player, and we’ll need to have clear plans to counter her.”
England will also have to contend with India’s spin-heavy attack led by the sensational N Shree Charani, who claimed 10 wickets and earned Player of the Series honors in the T20Is. Charlotte Edwards’ side will be bolstered by the return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who missed the T20 series due to injury.
Fielding remains an area of concern for England, with mistakes continuing to crop up in key moments — a recurring issue since their disappointing showing in the T20 World Cup and January’s 16-0 Ashes whitewash.
“We’re still getting a lot of press around our fielding, and it’s not where we want it to be,” Cross admitted. “But hopefully, if we can be judged in six, eight, or twelve months’ time, you’ll see the changes that come with the new regime.”
Edwards, who was appointed head coach in April, has limited time to prepare her team for the World Cup, with only six ODIs at her disposal before the tournament begins. Cross, who received her England cap from Edwards years ago, expressed full faith in the former captain’s leadership.
“She’s the biggest badger I know,” Cross laughed. “She’s watched every ball, she’s got seven laptops at her apartment tracking matches. Her knowledge is phenomenal. It’s really nice for me personally to have her around again. She hasn’t changed one bit — she’s still the same Lottie.”
The first ODI between England and India is set to take place in Southampton, the same venue where England narrowly lost to Australia on the final ball during last year’s Women’s Ashes. This time, with momentum and clarity the focus, England hope to set the tone for their World Cup campaign.
