Her decision has been made public by a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Knight made her England debut in 2010 and leaves the game as England’s most-capped woman, with 320 appearances across formats to her name.
She captained the side on 199 occasions from 2016 to 2025, overseeing 134 victories – most famously at Lord’s in 2017 as her team won the ICC Women’s World Cup.
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Prior to this Test, she had scored 7,988 international runs, with six centuries. Her maiden T20I ton, at Canberra in 2020, saw her become the first English player to score hundreds in all three formats of the game.
Knight’s becomes the second high-profile retirement from the English camp following Tammy Beaumont’s announcement ahead of the Lord’s Test.
“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, but I’m really content with this decision and I’m really excited for what’s next,” Knight said.
“I’ve been lucky to play with some amazing cricketers, and some amazing people who have taught me a lot, inspired me and supported me throughout my career. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates, coaches and support staff. 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.
“As a team, we’ve shared some special moments with the fans over the years and I want to thank everyone who has supported and given their love to the women’s game. Watching this great game grow has been the greatest privilege of my life.
“I’ve got to say a special thanks as well to my family and friends – who have been by my side throughout it all – the highs and the lows.
“Growing up as a little girl from Devon and playing with the boys, I never thought I’d get to experience this. It feels right to leave the game with this historic test at Lord’s. It’s been an amazing 16 years, and I feel so lucky.”
Claire Connor, Managing Director of England Women, hailed Knight for her contribution to the game.
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“There couldn’t be a more apt moment for Heather to announce her retirement from international cricket than during this most historic occasion at Lord’s and where she led England to a remarkable home World Cup win nine years ago.
“Heather’s contribution to England women’s cricket has been extraordinary. She has combined skill and determination as a player with exceptional leadership qualities, helping to shape this team and the game more broadly through one of the most significant periods in its history.
“Throughout her career, she has led and played with integrity and resilience that has earned her the respect of teammates, opponents and everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her.
“Heather has inspired a generation of young cricketers and leaves the international game in a stronger place. On behalf of everyone at the ECB, I want to thank her for everything she has given to England women’s cricket.“
Published on Jul 12, 2026
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