Heather Knight steps down as England Women’s captain after nearly a decade at the helm, marking the end of an era in women’s cricket just one day after head coach Jon Lewis exited his role.
The 34-year-old has captained England in 199 matches since her appointment in 2016 and will remain available for selection. Her resignation comes as part of an internal review following England’s 16-0 Women’s Ashes series loss to Australia earlier this year and their disappointing T20 World Cup group-stage exit in October.
Knight’s leadership included historic moments such as leading England to victory in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup on home soil, and guiding the team to two more ICC finals in 2018 and 2022.
A Decade of Leadership and Legacy
Knight was appointed England captain in June 2016 following the departure of Charlotte Edwards. Her captaincy has been widely praised for its transformative effect on women’s cricket in England.
“She has led the team by example as a role model off the pitch, and through the runs she has scored on it – often in the toughest conditions,” said Clare Connor, ECB managing director of England Women. “That magical day at Lord’s in 2017 acted as a catalyst for the growth we’ve seen in the women’s game.”
Knight’s memorable century in the 2022 Ashes Test in Canberra was also highlighted as one of her most significant individual performances.
Knight Reflects on Her Time as Captain
In her statement, Knight expressed deep pride and gratitude for her years in charge: “Captaining my country for the last nine years has been the biggest honour of my life. Winning the World Cup at Lord’s in 2017 will always be a highlight, but seeing the women’s game grow off the pitch gives me just as much pride.”
She also thanked former coaches, teammates, fans, and her family for their unwavering support: “The people make the job. I have loved being England captain—it’s been the most rewarding period of my career.”
Knight will now return to the squad as a senior player, focusing on her batting and supporting her eventual successor.
Tributes from ECB Leadership
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB, paid tribute to Knight’s lasting influence: “Heather’s impact as captain goes far beyond her cricket. She has inspired a generation of young women to take up the game and helped transform women’s cricket in England.”
Knight debuted for England in 2010 and made history in 2020 by becoming the first England player—male or female—to score an international century in all three formats of the game.
Her successor as England Women’s captain is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
