Lord's Cricket Ground in England. Image Credits: AFPEngland Women’s veteran Heather Knight, who is currently playing against India Women at the iconic Lord’s Stadium for the Only Test, has decided to take a big leap in her cricketing career. The 35-year-old has decided to hang up her boots after playing 319 international games for the team.The development comes amid England Women’s worrisome play against the visitors, India Women, at home, as they are currently dominated with a massive lead in the 1st innings and continuing in the 2nd innings as well. The official decision made by Heather Knight was made public on July 12.Heather Knight Decides To Retire From International CricketThe former England captain, who championed the side for approximately nine years since her appointment in 2016, decided to step away from the game immediately after the conclusion of the INDW vs ENGW Only Test match. "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,” Knight said in a statement by the ECB.Heather Knight ends her career as the England women's cricketer with the most combined international appearances. Making her debut in 2010 as an 18-year-old, she came into the side to replace the injured Sarah Taylor for the tour of India. Also Read- Sourav Ganguly, Kevin Pietersen Inducted Into ICC Hall Of FameSince then, Knight has come a long way alongside her teammate and fellow veteran, Danni Wyatt. Over the years, she has established herself as one of England's finest cricketers and also led the team to the 2017 Women's ODI World Cup title.In the India Women vs England Women Only Test, Knight hasn't been able to make an impact so far, scoring just six runs in the first innings. In the preceding T20I series, however, she produced a brilliant 42-ball 71 in the third T20I against India, while also registering modest scores of 18 and 21 in the other two matches, further cementing why she is regarded as one of the greats of the game.The Illustrious Career of Knight With EnglandHeather Knight's retirement brings the curtain down on one of the greatest careers in England Women's cricket. Knight spent over 15 years serving England with remarkable consistency as both a batter and a leader. She amassed 7,998 international runs across all three formats, including six centuries and 42 half-centuries, while also contributing 84 wickets with her useful off-spin. In Test cricket, Knight averaged an outstanding 42.17, highlighted by memorable centuries against Australia, including a career-best unbeaten 168. She also enjoyed a successful ODI career with 4,372 runs and captained England to their historic 2017 ICC Women's ODI World Cup triumph at Lord's. Knight later became the first woman to score centuries in all three international formats, underlining her versatility. Why Did Heather Knight Decide To Retire? Knight’s retirement from cricket might emerge from the very natural process of ageing. Having served for over 15 years in the game, Knight thinks it is the best time for her to recover and rejuvenate.“I'm really content with this decision and I'm really excited for what's next… 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,” Knight said in the ECB statement.Currently contracted as the general manager of the London Spirit women's team and opting out of The Hundred 2026, Heather Knight will likely continue in the mentoring role, which will signal the next innings of her career, away from the field.Also Read- Kranti Gaud Becomes Youngest Indian Woman Pacer To Attain Historic Test Milestone
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