England women's cricket team's captain Heather Knight has stepped down from the top role. The World Cup-winning captain's decision came a day after Jon Lewis's resignation as England women's head coach, indicating a broader restructuring within the team. Knight's nine-year tenure, which saw her lead England in 199 matches since 2016, concludes amidst an ongoing review prompted by the team's crushing 0-16 defeat to Australia in the Women's Ashes series earlier this year, compounded by an earlier group-stage elimination at the T20 World Cup.
Heather Knight resigns as England Women's Cricket Team's captain
Knight's captaincy, which began in June 2016 after Charlotte Edwards stepped down, was highlighted by England's memorable victory in the 2017 home World Cup and subsequent appearances in two other ICC tournament finals. Despite these successes, the recent string of disappointing results has led the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to pursue a new direction. While stepping down as captain, Knight will remain available for selection to the England team. The ECB has announced that a successor for the captaincy will be appointed in the near future.
Heather Knight's career in international cricket has been marked by both longevity and exceptional achievement. Her journey began in 2010 with her England debut, and a decade later, she etched her name into the record books by becoming the first England player, male or female, to score an international century in all three formats of the game.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Knight's leadership as England Women's captain has been highly successful. She oversaw 134 victories, securing her position as the second most successful captain in the history of women's international cricket. Furthermore, her captaincy was distinguished by a remarkable run of eight consecutive ODI series wins. This included a memorable triumph over Australia during the 2023 home Ashes. In that same series, England's win in the T20 series contributed to a thrilling Ashes draw. England will also host India for the white-ball series in June-July which will feature five T20Is and three ODIs.
Knight took the big call ahead of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 which will be held later this year. England will also host India for the white-ball series in June-July which will feature five T20Is and three ODIs.
Right after making stepping down from the big role Knight said:
“Captaining my country for the last nine years has been the biggest honour of my life and I will look back on my tenure with an enormous sense of pride. I have loved the challenge of leading the team, but all good things come to an end and it’s time for me to go back into the ranks and focus on being the best batter and teammate that I can be for the team.
“Winning the ICC Women’s World Cup on home turf at Lord’s in 2017 will always be a huge highlight, but being a part of the huge steps forward made in the women’s game off the pitch brings me just as much pride. I have loved being England Captain, it’s been the most rewarding period of my career, but for now I’m excited to focus on my batting and supporting the team and the new captain in the best way I can,” she concluded.