England's superstar ruled out of rest of summer season ahead of series against Team India

In a major setback for England women's cricket team, their former captain Heather Knight will miss the remainder of the summer season due to a severe hamstring injury. Knight sustained the injury while scoring a half-century during England's dominant 3-0 T20 International series sweep against the West Indies in Chelmsford.

Heather Knight sidelined with hamstring injury

Subsequent scans have revealed a 'significant tendon injury', which will unfortunately keep the 34-year-old out of action throughout June, July, and August. Despite this, there's optimism that she will recover in time for the Women's World Cup 2025, set to kick off at the end of September. Knight, who lost the captaincy after England's disappointing 16-0 Ashes whitewash last winter, had recently underscored her crucial role in the team with two exceptional performances from the No. 4 spot in the T20 series. Her unbeaten 43 in the successful chase at Canterbury was followed by a superb 66 not out in Chelmsford. Her absence will undoubtedly leave a considerable void in England's middle order, particularly as they prepare to face India later in the summer. India and England will play a white-ball series, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs starting from June 28. Knight will also miss The Hundred, a tournament where she captained the London Spirit to a title victory last year.

Alice Capsey replaces injured Heather Knight

Following Heather Knight's hamstring injury, Alice Capsey, 20, has been called up to the England squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against West Indies, which kicks off this Friday in Derby. This West Indies series will be followed by another three T20Is and three ODIs against India. Notably, India is also set to host the 50-over World Cup in September.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hasn't provided a specific timeline for Knight's return, but they remain hopeful she'll be fit for selection for the September tournament. Knight, who captained England for nine years, was removed from her post in March after the team's 16-0 Ashes humiliation earlier this year. All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, 32, took over the captaincy a month later. The current series against West Indies marks a period of transition for the team, with new coach Charlotte Edwards also at the helm for the first time. Losing such an experienced batter as Knight is a significant blow for England, especially given her exceptional form in her recent return to the batting ranks, where she delivered unbeaten knocks of 43 and 66.