Veteran England cricketer Heather Knight has confirmed her retirement from international cricket following the Rothesay Test against India at Lord's. Her departure will bring to an end a remarkable career that has spanned more than a decade. Knight, who made her England debut in 2010, has played a major role in England's success over the years.
Over the course of her international career, she made 320 appearances for England across all formats, making her the most-capped player in the history of England women's cricket. She has played 14 Tests, 160 ODIs and 145 T20Is, scoring 970, 4372 and 2656 runs, respectively. She also famously led England to a World Cup win at Lord's in 2017.
"I'm extremely grateful and privileged to have gone on the journey that I have been on as an England cricketer. It's hard to walk away because the dressing room and the people in the dressing room have been a constant in my life for 16 years, and the memories and the experiences and the people have helped shape me become who I am today, but I'm really content with this decision and I'm really excited for what's next," Knight said in a statement by the ECB.
"I've been lucky to play with some amazing cricketers, and some amazing people who have taught me a lot, inspired me and supported me throughout my career. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates, coaches and support staff. I'd like to specifically give the medical staff a shout out as well. I'm not sure how this body has got through 300-odd games of cricket. It's taking a lot of patching up and hard work on their part and I owe them one".
“As a team, we’ve shared some special moments with the fans over the years and I want to thank everyone who has supported and given their love to the women’s game. Watching this great game grow has been the greatest privilege of my life.
“I’ve got to say a special thanks as well to my family and friends – who have been by my side throughout it all - the highs and the lows."
“Growing up as a little girl from Devon and playing with the boys, I never thought I’d get to experience this. It feels right to leave the game with this historic test at Lord’s. It’s been an amazing 16 years, and I feel so lucky.”
Heather captained England on 199 occasions between 2016 and 2025. Under her leadership, England claimed victories in 134 matches.
“Heather’s contribution to England women’s cricket has been extraordinary. She has combined skill and determination as a player with exceptional leadership qualities, helping to shape this team and the game more broadly through one of the most significant periods in its history," Clare Connor, the managing director of England Women, said.