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The England women’s captain Heather Knight is doubtful for the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG). The event is scheduled to be played from 28 July to 8 August in Birmingham. Knight is reportedly suffering from a hip injury and received an injection on Monday in her joint due to her complaint of irritation.
The injury had prevented the 31-year-old from featuring in the second fixture of the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. In place of her, another experienced campaigner Natalie Sciver captained the Three Lionesses.
In the three-match ODI series against the Proteas Women team, Knight scored 92 runs in three innings and played one of the key roles in securing a white-wash. England’s team manager has confirmed that Knight will miss the final T20I scheduled to play on Monday (25 July) at Derby.
"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 has been influential for the past few years with her leadership qualities and contribution to the willow. She captained England to a title victory in the 2017 edition of the ODI World Cup. Earlier this year, under her leadership, England emerged as a runner-up in the 50-over World Cup.
England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson has given confirmation of Knight will “continue to be assessed and treated” ahead of the showpiece event.
In the CWG, England is placed with Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa in Group B. They will commence their campaign against Sri Lanka on Saturday (30 July) at Edgbaston. It will be the first occasion for the game of cricket to return to the Games, after the men’s competition held in 1998.
Last year, The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that all the fixtures will hold an international status. The eight-team tournament will be based on the T20 format.
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