Analysis by BBC Cricket Correspondent Stephan Shemilt

Heather Knight will not only go down as a great of English cricket, but also one of the most important leaders in modern British sport.

Knight’s nine-year spell as captain was remarkable for its longevity – it took in six different prime ministers – and for everything that was achieved on and off the field.

To follow in the footsteps of Edwards would have fazed some, yet Knight moulded a new generation all the way to that memorable 2017 World Cup final victory at Lord’s. The significance of that triumph grows with every passing year England wait for their next global title.

And, while Knight was delivering the biggest prize in the game, English women’s cricket was also transitioning into the professional and lucrative sport it is today. Knight, and her fellow retiree Tammy Beaumont were at the forefront of the new era.

As a skipper, Knight never managed to get her hands on the Ashes – a draw in Australia in 2017, then back at home in 2023 was as close as she came. A 16-0 humiliation down under in 2025 was the end of her reign. Even then, she had to be removed from the post, when perhaps she felt she could have carried on.

To focus only on Knight the captain does a disservice to Knight the cricketer. A warrior on the field, often battling her body, there were plenty of times when Knight was required to hold England’s batting together.

An epic maiden century in the Ashes Test of 2013 was a sign of things to come, and she would eventually become the first England player – man or woman – to score a hundred in all three formats.

Injuries hampered Knight late in her career, and a transition to the backroom role at London Spirit was a clear indication that she was considering hanging up the boots.

With Knight following Beaumont into retirement, it is a further indication that England are in transition, in need of new stars like Alice Capsey, Grace Scrivens and Tilly Corteen-Coleman to pick up the mantle.

Before that, Knight still has a possible two days of her career remaining. How fitting that she goes out in the first women’s Test at Lord’s. There are not many firsts for the women’s game left, thanks in no small part to Heather Knight.