The 2017 World Cup-winning England captain Heather Knight’s hopes of leading her side in the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) are in clouds after she suffered a hip injury.

Knight sustained the injury during the first T20I against South Africa and missed the second game on July 23. In her absence, stand-in captain Nat Sciver led England to secure the three-match series.

As a precaution, Knight will further miss out on the third and final T20I match against South Africa, which is scheduled to take place on July 25.

“Heather Knight has irritation in her hip joint. She has had an injection and will continue to be assessed and treated ahead of the Commonwealth Games. She will miss today’s third T20I as a precaution,” England women’s team manager said while providing an update on Knight’s injury.

Knight had famously led England to the 2019 World Cup glory at Lord’s after defeating Mithali Raj-captained India by nine runs in the final. The defending champions England, however, could not retain their crown as they lost the 2022 World Cup final to Australia.

England are in Group B with Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa for the Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, India are placed in Group A with Australia, Barbados, and Pakistan.

Women’s cricket will make a debut in the Commonwealth Games, with matches to be played in the T20I format. It is also a first time for cricket to feature in the CWG since a List A men’s tournament was held at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

England’s CWG squad: Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver (vc), Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Bryony Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt.

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