As well, England captain Heather Knight has been ruled out of the Commonwealth Games and The Hundred in 2022 with a serious injury. The ailment, acquired in the first T20 match of the three-match series against South Africa a few weeks ago, has yet to calm down.
She also missed England’s last two T20s against South Africa and their first two victories at the Commonwealth Games. Specialists have advised Knight to take a break from cricket for the next few months to recover fully.
“It is gutting to miss out on two such amazing events, but my priority now is to focus on my recovery and get back to full fitness as soon as possible,” said Knight in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The ECB also confirmed that reserve player Natalie Sciver would take Knight’s place in the squad for the Commonwealth Games and The Hundred.
The news is a big blow to England’s chances at the Commonwealth Games, where they were looking to defend their title. It is also a setback for The Hundred, which is set to make its debut next year. England Women will continue to be captained by Natalie Sciver, who served as stand-in skipper while Knight was away.
Do Heather Knight will stay with her team or not?
Moreover, the news is a setback for England, who could face Australia in the next semi-final or final. Knight suffered an injury in recent weeks during England’s opening Twenty20 match in England’s multi-format series against South Africa and received an injection before the matches to try to calm the trouble spot.
However, an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman confirmed that the issue was “not handled as expected,” and Knight is now facing an extended period.
Knight will stay with the squad for the rest of the competition while she receives treatment. With her experience and leadership skills, Knight would have been a key figure in both competitions. Her absence will be felt by both England and the wider cricket community.
England will play New Zealand in their final group match on Thursday, with losers Australia going into the last four and winners India in the second semi-final.
Knight is not only out of games where cricket makes her first appearance in 24 years. But she has also drawn a line from her name to Women’s Hundred this season. She was to lead the London Spirit in the competition starting next week. Therefore, Knight’s injury is a big blow to England’s chances in the Commonwealth Games and The Hundred.
Other Information
Knight’s career began in 2008 when she made her senior county debut for Berkshire. In 2010, she was awarded a place in the England Academy and toured Bangladesh with them. She made her England debut in 2011 against Sri Lanka.
Similarly, in the year 2012, she was a part of the England squad that won the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. In 2014, she was part of England’s squad that won the Ashes in Australia. In 2017, she was a member of England’s World Cup-winning squad. She has also played in two previous editions of the Commonwealth Games.
Knight is currently ranked as the No.3 batter in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings and the No.6 batter in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings.
England has already qualified for Saturday’s semi-finals at Edgbaston. However, a win in their final group game against New Zealand on Thursday will prevent them from meeting world champions Australia. We wish her a speedy recovery.