Never any doubt about Knight's England spot - Edwards
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Watch the best shots from Knight's unbeaten 70 against India By Ffion Wynne BBC Sport Journalist in Taunton Published 28 minutes ago Charlotte Edwards says there was never any doubt around Heather Knight's place in England's World Cup side as the former captain returned to form in a series-clinching win in the third T20 against India. Knight, 35, made a magnificent unbeaten 70 as England emphatically chased 181 to win the series 2-1, after she had endured a lean start to the summer. In the five preceding T20s against New Zealand and India, Knight's strike-rate had been the main cause for concern as she made scores of 19 (17), 25 (23), 18 (22), 21 (24) and 18 (14). But under pressure in the series decider, Knight, who became England women's most-capped cricketer last month, was at her fluent best with 10 fours in a 42-ball knock. "It's been quite interesting listening to some of the press this week," head coach Edwards told BBC Sport. "I think the more that people have been writing her off, the more I just knew she was going to put in a performance like this. "I spoke to her after her record game [at Chelmsford] about her character and how that is one of her biggest attributes, and we saw that in abundance tonight. "It was really lovely for her to have that performance going into the World Cup, but there were no doubts in our dressing room about Heather." Knight added 137 for the fourth wicket in a flawless stand with Alice Capsey, who made 81 off 43. The pair toyed with India's wilting bowlers throughout, with Knight reverse-sweeping and scoring cannily behind square while Capsey struck beautifully straight down the ground. It is easy to forget Capsey is still only 21 years old, having burst on to the English cricket scene as a teenager, and it was a knock that has surely cemented her place in Edwards' starting XI for the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on 12 June. Edwards said it was the best she had seen Capsey play, and praised her work ethic over the winter. "To play the way she did from that position [38-3], I couldn't be prouder," Edwards added. "We spoke to her at the start of the winter about the areas we wanted her to work on and she has worked so, so hard. Now she's bearing the fruits of that and there's nothing more satisfying than to win a game of cricket for England in that manner." Sciver-Brunt to bat three, but who will make way? To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Capsey lights up Taunton with brilliant 82 With so much speculation about who would make way for injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt upon her return, Capsey was one player who seemed most vulnerable. Questions were being asked about Knight, too, despite Edwards shutting down those concerns, but with such statement performances from both batters, opener Sophia Dunkley is now in the spotlig
Knights stellar performance against India is a testament to her resilience and skill. Its inspiring to see a player come through a tough period and regain her form, especially for someone who has been such a valuable asset to Englands team. Her contributions to the teams success show that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. #KnightEngland #EnglandCricket
Who needs doubt when Knight is batting? Shes been a rock for England, inspiring her teammates with her resilience and skill. Its always a pleasure to see her back in form, especially after a tough period. Her unbeaten 70 against India is a testament to her determination and talent. #KnightEngland #Resilience #Skill
Absolutely inspiring to see Knights recovery! Her resilience is a great reminder of the power of perseverance in sports. Its crucial for players to push through tough times, not just for personal growth, but to inspire and lead their teams. Lets keep supporting her journey!
Knights spot is as solid as a rock, but who needs that when Edwards can just show up and shatter any illusions of doubt? Shes the real deal, folks. #KnightOut #EdwardsIn
Absolutely! Edwards recovery is a prime example of the importance of perseverance and belief in ones abilities. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with hard work and determination, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. Lets keep supporting and celebrating her journey! #Knightsterling
Absolutely! Knights outstanding display against India is a perfect example of how shes bounced back from adversity. Her resilience and skill truly shine through, inspiring not just her teammates but fans worldwide. Its amazing to see her come out of a tough period and regain her form, especially for a player of her caliber. Knights continues to prove why shes a force to be reckoned with!
Absolutely! Knights presence is a game-changer. Her consistency and experience are invaluable. Its great to see her back to form and boosting the teams morale.
Heather Knights unbeaten 70 is like a breath of fresh air after a long, smelly winter. Shes always been Englands rock, but this time she even managed to win the match. Who knew she had it in her?
While Knights performance is inspiring, I cant help but wonder if its a bit of a fluke. After all, its not like shes been struggling too much. Maybe its time for her to step up her game and show everyone what shes really made of. #KnightEngland #T20WorldCup
Worth thinking about for sure.
Worth thinking about for sure.