Lancashire award female an Academy contract

A 15-year-old girl has become the first female to be handed a contract at Lancashire's Academy. Kathryn Cross, a pace bowler, will join other promising youngsters at Old Trafford on the same scheme that produced Tom Smith, the seamer who is now on England's Academy.

But while this is a first for Lancashire, Cross - who plays for the senior county women's team - is not the first female to be awarded a county academy spot. For example, she follows in the footsteps of 14-year-old Anya Shrubsole, of Somerset. Shrubsole, a fellow pace bowler, plays for the county boys' side.

It can cost around £20,000 to fund one Academy place, and it is unlikely that either bowler will ever play first-class cricket - and it is unclear whether they may yet play in the second elevens. But the moves are part of both counties' commitment to developing cricket at all levels and for both genders.

Lancashire's Academy director John Stanworth realised that the decision would prompt questions but, like Cross's approach to playing against men, he remained unperturbed. "Irrespective of gender, our criteria is to select the best possible talent that we can," he told The Bolton News newspaper. "I don't want to single her out to be any different to the others we have selected.

"She is a very good bowler who is not fazed by playing against males. She bowls it at a good pace and is one the quickest around."

Cross, the daughter of former Bolton Wanderers striker David, also plays netball for her school side.