England captain Heather Knight has rejected claims that fitness issues contributed to her team’s shock group-stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.
After a five-catch disaster against the West Indies led to elimination, World Cup-winning spinner Alex Hartley suggested that some players "need to get fitter." Knight, however, defended her squad, stating:
"We have some brilliant athletes who work exceptionally hard to be fit and ready to play. I don't believe fitness was why we lost that game or that it’s an issue in this side."
England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, echoed Knight’s sentiments, saying, "I 100% don’t agree with that."
The team’s off-field activities during the tournament, including a social media-highlighted boat party, also faced scrutiny. Knight defended the balance between cricket and leisure:
"Part of being an England cricketer is experiencing the countries we tour. In South Africa, I’m organizing a visit to the Apartheid Museum and a safari. Social media doesn’t show the hard work this team puts in—it’s a lot."
Looking ahead, Knight sees England's World Cup exit as a “bump in the road” rather than evidence of buckling under pressure. She views it as a moment for reflection and growth:
"It will keep us humble and motivate us to improve and keep growing as a side."
The team begins a multi-format series against South Africa this Sunday, featuring three T20s, three ODIs, and a four-day Test. With the next 50-over World Cup just 10 months away, Knight remains focused on near-term goals:
"Setbacks make you more motivated. We’re confident we can continue evolving and play our best cricket in the upcoming series."