That adds a bit of pressure but adds excitement and opportunity. “To do it at a Commonwealth Games, it would reach so many more people.

“If we’re going to be successful it’s going to be on a par, certainly, with winning a World Cup,” Knight added. Knight recognises as much and therefore feels a gold medal here would sit alongside leading England to a seminal 2017 50-over World Cup win on home soil as the greatest achievements of her career. If we can play our part to keep driving it forward and keep people talking about women’s sport, it’s going to be great.”Īustralia, as holders of both limited-overs World Cups, are overwhelming favourites to top the podium after the final next Sunday in a tournament which features almost all of the leading countries. “Every summer it feels like it’s the summer of women’s sport and it goes to a new level every time, it keeps surprising me and everyone. It’s been amazing to see their journey and watch how they’ve brushed off teams. “The Lionesses have done so much already, it’s been awesome and I’ve been inspired watching them play. “There’s a real focus on it which there wouldn’t have been in the past which is progress in itself,” said Knight, who hopes to watch England versus Germany alongside her team-mates in the athletes’ village. With England in the final of Euro 2022 this Sunday and the nation’s cricket, netball and hockey teams among those gunning for gold in the midlands, women’s sport is at the forefront of attention. “With it being a bit more of a spectacle at the Commonwealth Games, it might take us a little bit longer and there might be a few more nerves but we’re excited to get going again.”Ĭricket is back at the Games after 24 years and while a men’s 50-over tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, this event in Birmingham which started on Friday is Twenty20 and exclusively for women.

Hopefully we’ll be able to settle in quite quickly,” Sciver told PA. “With captaining, it always takes a game or two to get into it. They’re in capable hands now and Nat will do a great job.”Įngland completed a comprehensive 14-2 points win over South Africa earlier this week, with Sciver at the helm for the last couple of T20s and she is relishing leading the side again. “It’s frustrating but the thing with these injuries is you have to be patient and give them the time to heal properly and not rush back too quickly. “It’s one of those wait and see things, we’re not too sure how it’s going to progress, but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could play a role that’s going to contribute in the games.

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