AN Ashes-winning English international cricketer fielded questions at a Burnley school in a bid to put more girls into bat.

Kate Cross, who has represented her country since 2010, was invited to Casterton Primary School to help inspire the next generation of cricketers.

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The Lancashire Women’s player gave an assembly to 150 junior pupils and also put them through their paces during workshops.

She also stuck around to help coach the girls’ cricket after school club.

The visit was made possible through the England Cricket Board’s ‘Chance to Shine’ project, which aims to promote the game and give people the opportunity to take part.

The school already has a high participation rate among its boys but hopes that the girls will have been inspired by the 23-year-old and join their local club.

Headteacher Paul Whaling said: “It was an absolutely great day and everyone loved it.

“It was great to see so many girls taking part who normally would not.

“We were very lucky to get her to come to the school for the whole day and I hope that she has encouraged some of the pupils to attend a cricket club.

“Cricket plays a large role at the school during break and lunch times and also after school.

“Many of our boys are already members of local clubs and it’s good to think that some of the girls will also start to take up the sport.

“Our sports coach Mark Dutton helped to organise the visit alongside Jen Laycock who is the development officer for women’s cricket at Lancashire Cricket Club.”

Deputy head Janet Rigby said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and it was great to get everyone outside in the good weather.”