Knight's successor will be announced soon.
Just a day after head coach Jon Lewis was dismissed following England Women’s poor Ashes performance, the England Cricket Board announced that Heather Knight has stepped down as captain.
Knight, who led England in 199 matches, resigned after a crushing 16-0 Women’s Ashes defeat to Australia earlier this year. Her departure also follows England’s disappointing group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October.
“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. Thank you to all the players and staff, who have given it everything along the way – especially Mark, Lisa and Jon, three head coaches that I’ve loved working with. The people make the job,” Knight quoted.
Appointed in June 2016 after Charlotte Edwards’ removal as captain, Knight led England to a historic home World Cup victory in 2017, along with two other ICC tournament finals in 2018 and 2022.
“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,” she added.
Heather Knight to no longer captain England Women going forward.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 22, 2025
Thank you for everything, Heather 🤝
Knight made her England debut in 2010 and, a decade later, became the first England player (male or female) to score an international century in all three formats of the game. Time and again, whether with the bat or under the weight of captaincy, Knight has showcased her resilience and skill on the field.
In a statement released on Saturday, Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director of England Women and Deputy Chief Executive Officer stated, “Heather has been an outstanding leader as England Women’s Captain. 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. Heather has enjoyed many highlights as England captain. I particularly remember the century she scored in the Ashes Test at Canberra in 2022 where her individual brilliance nearly helped the team pull off a famous win. It was an innings of great skill and great heart.”
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer commended Knight for her impact not only on world cricket but also in inspiring young girls at the grassroots level. She has played a key role in raising standards and encouraging more girls to step forward and play the game.
“I’m immensely thankful for everything Heather has given in her time as Captain. The World Cup win and the thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes will live long in the memory. Heather’s influence as Captain has extended far beyond her impact on the pitch. Through her leadership and dedication, she has inspired many women and girls to get involved in the sport, fuelling the transformation of women’s cricket we have seen since 2016,” Gould said.
However, after recent setbacks, the ECB has chosen to take a new direction, with Knight’s successor set to be announced soon.
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Talking about who will lead England Women, there’s only a small pool of candidates available.
Vice-captain and all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has expressed openness to the role. She stepped in for Knight 12 times previously, winning nine of those matches.
Wicketkeeper Amy Jones is another potential choice, though she has admitted that captaincy “does not come naturally” to her. She has, however, gained leadership experience with Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural season of the Women’s Hundred.
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is also a contender. She was a part of the four-player leadership group led by Knight during the recent Ashes, alongside Sciver-Brunt and Jones.
Additionally, off-spinner Charlie Dean has been identified as a future leader within the squad.
England Women will host West Indies Women for three T20Is and three ODIs starting from May 21.
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