After almost nine years, Heather Knight has resigned as captain of the England women’s team, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Saturday. The news follows the dismissal of head coach Jon Lewis the day after they were thrashed 16-0 by Australia in the Ashes series. Knight will be up for selection going forward.

Since 2016, Knight has led England 199 times, including two ICC event finals and a home World Cup triumph in 2017. Second on the list of England women’s all-time most successful captains, she supervised 134 wins while serving as captain.

In 2023, she led the team to a record-breaking eight straight ODI series victories, including a victory over Australia in the home Ashes. England also won the T20I series, resulting in an exciting women’s Ashes that raised awareness of international women’s cricket to a new level.

However, the ECB has chosen to choose a new captain to guide the team into a new era after the squad’s poor results in the previous Ashes in Australia and the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last year. Knight’s replacement will be named soon,” the European Central Bank said.

The greatest honor of my life has been leading my nation for the last nine years, and I will look back on my time there with a great deal of pride. All good things come to an end, so it’s time for me to return to the ranks and concentrate on being the greatest hitter and teammate I can be for the club,” Knight said. “I have relished the challenge of leading the team.”

“Winning the ICC Women’s World Cup at home at Lord’s in 2017 will always be a major highlight, but I’m equally proud to have contributed to the significant advancements in women’s sport off the field.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of the players and staff who have contributed throughout the process, particularly the three head coaches I’ve enjoyed working with: Mark, Lisa, and Jon. The job is made by the individuals.

“I want to express my gratitude to the supporters who have stood with me and the squad throughout both the good times and the bad. Last but not least, I would not be here without the support of my friends, family, and my long-suffering boyfriend Tim. You share my path.

“I’ve enjoyed being England captain; it’s been the most fulfilling time in my career, but right now I’m eager to concentrate on my batting and do everything I can to help the team and the new captain,” she said.

Ten years after making her England debut in 2010, Knight became the first player in either the men’s or women’s divisions to score an international century in each of the game’s three forms.

“Heather has been an exceptional leader as England Women’s Captain,” said Clare Connor, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and ECB Managing Director, England Women. She has been a role model for the squad both on and off the field, scoring runs in the most difficult circumstances.

As captain of England, Heather has experienced numerous highlights. I especially recall her century in the 2022 Ashes Test in Canberra, when her individual skill almost enabled the team to achieve a historic victory. It was a very talented and heartfelt innings.

“She created memories we will never forget by brilliantly leading the team to a home World Cup victory.” Many of the advancements in women’s and girls’ cricket that have occurred in the years thereafter were sparked by that incredible day at Lord’s.

“Heather has a strong desire to encourage young girls to play cricket and to contribute to the gender equality of our sport. She serves as a strong role model for both recreational and emerging professional female players. She has always recognized the crucial link between the England squad and the grassroots game, having begun her England career as an amateur.