
Personal info
Known for
Public Figures
Gender
Male
Birthday
26 December
Location
England, United Kingdom
Edit pageHeather Knight
Biography
Heather Clare Knight, born on December 26, 1990, in Rochdale, England, is a towering figure in women's cricket. A highly accomplished right-handed batter and a handy right-arm off-break bowler, Knight's career has been defined by her exceptional leadership, consistent run-scoring, and a pivotal role in England's success.
Early Life and Cricket Journey: Knight's dedication to cricket began at a young age, leading her to turn down a place at the prestigious University of Cambridge to pursue her cricketing ambitions. She honed her skills at Plymstock Cricket Club and quickly rose through the county system, consistently topping run-scoring charts for Devon.
International Debut and Rise to Captaincy: Heather Knight made her international debut for England in an ODI against India in March 2010. Her Test debut followed in January 2011. Her consistent performances and strong cricketing acumen saw her appointed vice-captain in 2014, and subsequently, she took over the captaincy of the England women's team in 2016, following the retirement of Charlotte Edwards.
A Captain of World Cup Glory: Under Knight's astute leadership, England achieved one of its most significant triumphs: winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup on home soil in 2017. This victory, culminating in a thrilling final at Lord's, cemented her legacy as a successful captain. She has also led England to two other ICC tournament finals.
Key Career Highlights and Achievements:
- World Cup Winning Captain: Leading England to the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup title is arguably the pinnacle of her career.
- First England Player with Centuries in All Formats: In 2020, Heather Knight became the first England cricketer, male or female, to score an international century in all three formats of the game (Test, ODI, and T20I).
- First Female Player to Score Fifty and Take Five Wickets in an ODI: She holds the unique record of being the first female player to achieve this rare all-round feat in an ODI match.
- Prolific Batter: Knight has consistently been among England's leading run-scorers across formats, known for her composure, technique, and ability to score in challenging situations. Her unbeaten 168 in the 2022 Ashes Test against Australia is considered one of her finest knocks.
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year: Her contributions were recognized when she was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2018.
- Order of the British Empire (OBE): In recognition of her services to cricket, she was awarded an OBE in 2018.
- Successful Franchise Player: Knight has been a highly sought-after player in global T20 leagues, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), where she captained Sydney Thunder to a title, The Hundred for London Spirit, and the Women's Premier League (WPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Captaincy Records: She led England in 199 matches, overseeing 134 victories, making her the second most successful England Women's captain in terms of wins. She also guided the team to a record-breaking eight consecutive ODI series wins.
Later Career and Impact: While she stepped down from the England captaincy in March 2025 after a nine-year tenure, Knight continues to be a crucial member of the England squad. Her decision allowed her to focus on her batting and contribute as a senior player. Heather Knight's career is a testament to her dedication, skill, and enduring influence on the game, inspiring countless aspiring cricketers worldwide.