Heather Knight, the former captain of England’s women’s cricket team, has announced her retirement from international cricket. She will bid farewell to the sport after the ongoing women’s Test against India at Lord’s, marking the end of her illustrious 16-year career with England.
Knight, who debuted for England in 2010, leaves behind a legacy as the most-capped women’s international player in the country’s history, having made 320 appearances. She led the team as captain from 2016 to 2025, including guiding England to a celebrated Women’s World Cup victory on home turf in 2017.
The 35-year-old achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first England player to score centuries across all three international formats, following her T20I hundred in 2020. As she approaches her final Test match, she has amassed 7,988 international runs. Reflecting on her retirement, Knight expressed gratitude for her career and acknowledged the England dressing room as a significant constant in her life over the years. She noted that retiring during the historic Test at Lord’s felt like the perfect moment to step back from the international stage.
Clare Connor, the managing director of England Women’s cricket, lauded Knight’s exceptional contributions both as a player and as a leader during a pivotal period for women’s cricket. Her influence extended beyond her on-field performances, as she played a key role in transforming the women’s game in England.
Knight’s announcement follows closely on the heels of her teammate Tammy Beaumont, who also declared her intention to retire from international cricket after the Lord’s Test. Their departures mark a significant transition for the England women’s cricket team, as they bid farewell to two of their most distinguished players.