Spanning the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Cross's first-class experience was limited to two matches, one at the start of each season against Durham University. However, Cross regularly featured in Lancashire's one-day side. Sutton did not play a single T20 match in the 2007 season, so Cross kept wicket in his place. During the same season, he also opened the batting a few times in the 40-over competition as a specialist batsman. In six T20 matches, Cross scored 113 runs at an average of 22.60 with a highest score of 62, his first half-century in T20 cricket; he also dismissed seven people, four caught and three stumped. An attacking batsman, Cross showcased his batting ability in an innings of 76 off 69 balls against Warwickshire in a Pro40 match to help Lancashire to victory. It was Cross' maiden half-century for Lancashire in list A cricket, beating his previous highest score of 36. Lancashire-batsman Mal Loye identified Cross as a talented cricketer with the potential to play for England, remarking that "His natural ability is just unbelievable".