The Story
History was made in the most dramatic style when Heather Knight and her girls gained the World Cup glory, snatching a nine-run win over India in the finals of the Women’s World Cup.
The joy was abundant, understandably, but what garnered them more admiration was that the victory, which looked almost uncertain at one stage, was a result of utmost self-belief and faith in their own capabilities.
Of course, the intensity would not die down quickly in near future. Almost a month later, the England captain, experienced a proud moment at London Euston when people suddenly recognised her after a big screen in the station replayed the last moments of the final, when Anya Shrubsole yorked Rajeshwari Gayakwad to win it.
New Admirers
“I tried to get my head down,” says Knight. “But a few people stopped me and were like: ‘Oh my god, that’s you!’ It’s quite weird, really, and a little bit uncomfortable. But I guess that comes with what happened that Sunday at Lord’s.”
This Women’s World Cup has changed the landscape of women’s cricket, as it was being anticipated before the start of the tournament. The overall global reach has multiplied and the ladies are now the known faces. The break from the hectic schedule, although brief, has been quite wonderful, however.
“It was nice to go to a cricket match as a punter for a change. I was done with media and corporate box commitments by about midday. It was nice to spend the day with a few mates and chill out really. I love The Maccabees and Felix was so nice.”
Trophy lost But Fortunately Recovered
There was a nervy moment which was scarier than the last over drama in London. After all the media commitments and meet and greets, Knight actually lost the trophy recently and only realised it after England Women media manager asked about it.
“I thought I had it with me because I had the box. But it was empty! I had a security lady guarding it but it was literally just a box. I realised I left the trophy with Sky Sports, so I went back to get it after few Pimm’s but it wasn’t there anymore. The guard said some woman had walked off with it and it ‘looked a bit dodgy’. I was panicked. I thought I’d lost the World Cup! Luckily the dubious looking lady was from the ECB.”
Eventually, Knight was back in possession of the trophy, which accompanied her to a pub in south London. “It actually got us some free burgers, which was a nice touch.”