England looking to appoint new captain after Heather Knight leaves role

Heather Knight has left her role as England captain after almost nine years.

The 34-year-old skippered England 199 times since 2016, guiding the team to World Cup glory in 2017 and two other finals.

The news comes 24 hours after Jon Lewis was axed as head coach following their recent 16-0 multi-format Ashes series defeat.

Knight earned 134 victories as captain, including leading the team to a record-breaking run of eight consecutive ODI series wins, but has stepped down after disappointing displays at both the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and the whitewash in Australia earlier this year.

The search for a new captain will now begin and the England and Wales Cricket Board said Knight’s successor will be announced shortly.

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 team-mate 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.

“Thank you to all the players and staff, who have given it everything along the way – especially Mark (Robinson), Lisa (Keightley) and Jon (Lewis), three head coaches that I’ve loved working with. The people make the job.

“Thank you to the fans that have supported me and the team through the highs and the lows. Finally, to my friends, family and long-suffering partner Tim, you live the journey with me and I wouldn’t be here without your support.

“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.”

Former England seamer Isa Guha said on X: “Still the best leader in that team but fresh approach will be good & a chance for a new leader to grow.

“Others have to step up. An incredible tenure @Heatherknight55. That last series does not define a whole body of work. Brilliant with people, selfless, resilient & accountable.”