Over the past 25 years, the England women’s cricket team has undergone a remarkable transformation—emerging from a semi-professional outfit into one of the world’s most formidable sides. This evolution has been shaped by a succession of influential captains, each leaving a distinct legacy on and off the field.
From the early 2000s, when resources and recognition were limited, to the modern era of professionalism and global success, England’s women’s cricket captains have not only led their teams to historic victories but have also inspired a new generation of players. Their leadership, resilience, and vision have been central to England’s rise on the international stage, making the captaincy a pivotal role in the team’s ongoing story.
Below is a look at the women who have captained England from 2000 to the present, and the impact they have made.
Clare Connor (2000–2005)
Clare Connor took over as captain in 2000, leading England through a period of transition and laying the groundwork for the professional era. She captained England in all formats, including Tests, ODIs, and England’s first-ever women’s T20I in 2004. During her captaincy, she led in 30 ODIs and 13 Tests.
One of her most significant achievements came in 2005, when she captained England to their first Women’s Ashes series victory over Australia in 42 years—a landmark moment that signalled England’s growing competitiveness on the world stage. Under her leadership, the team also reached the semi-finals of the 2005 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
Connor was recognised for her contributions with an MBE in 2004 and an OBE in 2006. Beyond her playing career, she has had a profound impact as an administrator, becoming the first female President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in its 233-year history and serving as managing director of women’s cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Her legacy is seen as instrumental in paving the way for the professionalisation and increased visibility of women’s cricket in England.
Charlotte Edwards (2005–2016)
Charlotte Edwards succeeded Connor in 2005 and became one of England’s most successful and influential captains. She led England in 117 ODIs (72 wins), 74 T20Is (50 wins), and 23 Tests. Edwards captained England to a historic double in 2009, winning both the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia and the inaugural ICC Women’s World Twenty20 (T20) on home soil.
Under her leadership, England secured four Ashes series victories, including back-to-back wins in 2013 (home) and 2014 (away) as part of the new multi-format points system. She became the first player—male or female—to captain England in 200 international matches and remains England’s leading run-scorer in both ODIs (5,992 runs) and T20Is (2,605 runs).
Edwards was renowned for her consistency and big-match temperament, scoring nine ODI centuries and four Test centuries during her career. Her captaincy spanned a period of major change, guiding the team from an amateur setup to the introduction of central contracts in 2014, which marked the professionalisation of women’s cricket in England.
She was widely respected for her tactical acumen, inspirational leadership, and ability to nurture young talent, helping to raise the profile and standards of the women’s game. Her impact extended beyond her playing days, with the ECB naming the domestic T20 competition the “Charlotte Edwards Cup” in her honour.
Edwards was recognised with numerous accolades, including an MBE in 2009, a CBE in 2014, and induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2022. She stepped down as captain after the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, following discussions with coach Mark Robinson about the future direction of the team. She left a legacy of success, professionalism, and inspiration, widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in the history of English cricket.
Heather Knight (2016–2025)
Heather Knight took over from Edwards in 2016, inheriting a team firmly in the professional era. She captained England to victory in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s, a landmark achievement that ended a 23-year wait for the title.
Knight became the first England woman to score centuries in all three formats during her tenure. She signed off, captaining England in 94 ODIs (55 wins), 86 T20Is (65 wins), and 6 Tests.
Over her nine-year captaincy, Knight led England in 199 matches, making her the second-longest-serving and one of the most successful captains in the team’s history. She also led the team to two further ICC tournament finals—in 2018 and 2022—and was at the helm during the dramatic 2023 Women’s Ashes series.
The latter part of her captaincy saw England face challenges, including a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup and a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia. Despite these setbacks, Knight’s legacy endures as a transformative leader who inspired teammates and fans alike, setting high standards for those who follow. She continues to serve as a player, focusing on her batting and supporting England’s next captain.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (2025–Present)
Natalie Sciver-Brunt was appointed as the captain of the England Women’s team in April 2025, following Knight’s nine-year tenure. She previously served as vice-captain and led England in several matches as stand-in captain.
Sciver-Brunt is one of England’s most experienced and talented all-rounders, with 259 international appearances, 11 centuries, and 181 wickets at the time of her appointment. She had already captained England in 12 matches prior to her full-time appointment, boasting a 9-3 win-loss record in those games.
Individually, Sciver-Brunt has been recognised as ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for both 2022 and 2023 and was named in the ICC ODI and T20 Teams of the Year in 2023. She is ranked No. 3 in the ICC ODI batting rankings and recently became the first player to score over 500 runs in a single Women’s Premier League season.
Her first major assignment as captain will be leading England in the 50-over World Cup in India in September 2025, with her tenure seen as the start of a new era for England Women’s Cricket.
