'Perfect timing to go': Heather Knight announces international retirement, reveals plans beyond cricket

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Former England captain Heather Knight has revealed she is at peace with her decision to retire from international cricket, saying she is excited about the next chapter of her life after bringing the curtain down on a glittering career at the conclusion of the historic one-off Women's Test against India at Lord's.

Knight admitted she had made up her mind months before the start of the English summer and felt the timing was perfect to step away from the international stage.

"I definitely knew about two or three months ago. I came into the summer pretty sure it was going to be my last one. I have thought about it for quite some time, as you do, and talked to a lot of people close to me. To be able to finish with a home World Cup and a Test match at Lord's, it felt really right. I am happy and content with the decision. It is not an easy thing to step away from, but I am really grateful for the career I have had. It is perfect timing for me to go," Knight said during a chat with the broadcasters.




The 34-year-old also revealed that while retiring from international cricket is never an easy decision, she feels her motivation has begun to shift towards life beyond the game.

"The main thing is that I am excited for what's next in my life and career. Things are dragging me away from the game and, after this summer, I probably feel that I haven't got the drive and energy to keep going, to keep doing what you need to do to be an international cricketer," she added.

At the end of Day 2's play, Knight confirmed she would retire from international cricket alongside opening batter Tammy Beaumont after the conclusion of the first-ever women's Test at Lord's.

Knight will bring down the curtain on an illustrious career spanning 320 international appearances, having scored 7,988 international runs across formats. She also holds the distinction of being the first England cricketer to score centuries in all three international formats.

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