Test Match Special No Balls: Crossy's World Cup squad reaction
Aug 22, 2025
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross dive into the emotional fallout of Crossy's exclusion from the World Cup squad, sharing how she’s coping with the tough decision. They explore the pressures of team selection and its psychological toll on players. The conversation lightens up with fun stories of celebrity encounters and hilarious dance aspirations. Listeners are treated to amusing anecdotes about on-field celebration mishaps and the unpredictable nature of cricket, blending sports with relatable humor.
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Immediate Shock And Going To Work
- Kate Cross received the World Cup omission phone call at 9am then had to go straight to commentary and work that day.
- She rang her friend Hen for support and started to cry while on the phone before going on air.
Selection Feels Rapid And Confusing
- Kate feels confused because the omission feels sudden despite a recent strong career record.
- She struggles with falling out of favour quickly after being vice-captain and opening the bowling weeks earlier.
Team Composition Influenced Selection
- Kate questions the seam-bowling balance and Nat Sciver-Brunt's return to bowling as selection drivers.
- Alex Hartley and Kate both find the omission hard to reconcile given Kate's recent milestones like 100 wickets and games.