Heather Knight says she is ready to play a leading role in England’s bid for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup success this summer, with the experienced batter declaring herself in a strong position after an injury-hit year.
The former England captain has not appeared in T20I cricket since suffering a hamstring injury against West Indies in Chelmsford in May last year, a setback that ruled her out of a significant stretch of action. Now 35, Knight is working her way back through domestic cricket and hopes to hit peak form in time for the tournament, which begins in England and Wales on June 12.
Speaking at a Schools Cricket Day event in London to mark 50 days until the start of the World Cup, Knight said valuable time in the middle has been central to her preparation. “I feel in a good place,” Knight said. “Ultimately, playing cricket for me and time in the middle is the best way for me to get ready to perform this summer. I’ve managed to get a few games for Somerset and hopefully (I’ll have) a few more.”
Knight remains one of England’s most accomplished players and a key figure in their batting unit. Across her international career, she has scored more than 7,000 runs in all formats, combining consistency with experience in pressure situations. She also showed her quality at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup last year, where she scored 288 runs and was among England’s most reliable performers.
While eager for match practice, Knight also acknowledged the need to carefully manage her workload after the injury layoff. “But for me, I guess at 35 as well and having my hamstring go ‘ping’ last year, it’s making sure I’m getting enough cricket. I love playing for Somerset as well but also getting myself fresh and in a place where I can hopefully perform for England in this summer.”
England’s final preparations before the tournament will include a home white-ball series against New Zealand, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, followed by a three-match T20I series against India. Those contests are expected to be crucial in shaping the final 15-player squad and refining combinations ahead of the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka in Birmingham.
Knight believes the gap since England’s last international fixtures has not necessarily been a disadvantage, suggesting it has created strong internal competition for places. “I know there’s reasons why we haven’t (played internationally), and I think it’s just making the most of the situation we’re in and trying to give us the best prep for obviously what’s a huge competition,” she said. “It’s certainly given a wider group of players a chance to state their claim and there’s certainly been that competitiveness and lots of people fighting it out for different positions. You certainly feel like you’re on your toes.”
Knight also reflected on the rise of women’s cricket since England’s famous 2017 ODI World Cup triumph, when she captained the side to victory at Lord’s. She believes the sport is now entering the upcoming T20 World Cup with a far stronger professional structure, greater visibility and clearer pathways for young players. “The professional set-up, the opportunity for girls to play cricket, the pathway is definitely there and the visibility, not just in World Cups, but in all the games that we play as England players and as domestic players. So, I do think that this tournament is going to be set up to be huge from the start.”
England won the first Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009 but have not lifted the title since. With home conditions, a packed schedule of warm-up fixtures and senior players returning to fitness, hopes are building that they can challenge strongly for a second crown.
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