Heather Knight acknowledged a heavy Test defeat to India was not the perfect end to her England career but was delighted to close one chapter and begin another at Lord’s.
Knight was out for 13 in her final international innings on Sunday afternoon after the night before it was announced she would retire at the conclusion of this historic red-ball fixture.
England were dismissed for 186 to lose by 270 runs, following T20 World Cup pain last Sunday in the final against Australia at the same venue, but Knight was proud to call time on a remarkable 16-year career with her nation at Lord’s.
Knight guided England to World Cup success in 2017 during an eight-year spell as captain and also played a key role in the push for the women’s cricket to become more professional.
In 2020 Knight become the first women’s player to score a century in all formats and departs after 8,017 runs and 84 wickets for England, with her new focus set to be on her role as general manager of Lord’s-based Hundred franchise London Spirit.
“Life isn’t perfect, cricket isn’t perfect and it wasn’t the perfect ending, but so happy to be involved in a Test match at Lord’s,” Knight said.
“That was kind of one of the reasons I wanted to finish here. To do it at Lord’s, a ground so special for me and I have had so many amazing memories here – and I guess it’s my new place of work, so that is kind of cool and I think it’s been an amazing occasion.
“It was an incredibly quick turnaround from the T20 World Cup, two days to prepare which is a really hard thing to do, but it has been an immense occasion.
“I have tried to take it in, look around and it’s been super special to have a lot of friends and family here who knew it was my last game.
“Start of the year, I was thinking this may be the case. A really exciting summer to be involved in, home World Cup and the Test match. I knew I had probably had one big shift to give and whether I had the energy to give any more, I wasn’t totally sure.
“Probably at the start of the summer, I knew I wanted to give my all and then it was the right time to step away. Yeah, I am super happy and I am really excited for what is next.”
Predictably, Knight listed the nine-run victory over India in the World Cup final at Lord’s nine years ago as her career highlight.
Knight added: “Obviously a huge highlight for me and the team to be involved in that day and win a home World Cup.
“Despite the result last weekend it was really special to be involved in another home World Cup.
“I’ll have a little bit of time with a glass of red over the next few weeks to sit down and look at the highlights.
“I’m grateful for all the journey and really privileged in what I’ve been able to do for the last 16 years and really proud to pull on an England shirt for so long.”
