From “rubbish year” to redemption, Heather Knight finds joy and 

INDORE: A few months ago, Heather Knight wasn’t sure if she would even make it to the England squad for the Women’s World Cup.

The England veteran had lost her captaincy, torn her hamstring and was staring at the bleak possibility of surgery that could have ended her season.

For someone who called 2025 a “rubbish year”, Sunday’s century against India was a poetic turnaround.

The 34-year-old, celebrating her 300th international appearance, I’m really pleased. Like I’ve had pretty rubbish year, not going to lie before this World Cup,” she said after the game.

“I was really keen to try and make the most of it and try and enjoy just being here because obviously it was pretty tight to make it here. I’ve made a real conscious effort to try and enjoy the trip and try and enjoy what I do and try and get the best out of myself in my batting.

Knight’s rough patch began earlier in the year when she was removed as England captain following a disappointing Ashes campaign. Just as she was regrouping, fate Doctors advised surgery, which would have sidelined her for up to six months. Instead, Knight backed her instincts and chose intensive rehab over the knife, like she did 12 years ago when she had copped a similar injury. Five months later, she has been vindicated.That was a pretty awful day, to be honest. When I felt my hamstring rip off, that was not that fun. So to be here now and obviously to be over that injury and to be contributing to the team being successful and in the semi-finals now in the World Cup is a cool place to be.

Knight’s sweeping prowess was on full display against India as she laced her 91-ball innings with 15 boundaries and a six to get her third ODI ton and highest-ever score in WODIs

With 235 runs in four innings at an average of 78.33, she is now England’s batting rock and one of the tournament’s top performers.