Knight hopes domestic revamp brings in 'new fans'

Heather Knight has captained England since 2016

England captain Heather Knight hopes the changes to the women's domestic game will help to bring "a new fanbase" to the sport.

Knight has signed for Somerset's new women's team for 2025, one of eight counties to merge under the same umbrella as their male counterparts and be given Tier 1 status in the revamp.

The 33-year-old previously captained Western Storm - which covered the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire - leading them to two Super League titles over her eight years with the club.

"I think it's a really good move for women's cricket to merge with the men's counties and it seems like the next logical step in the development of the women's game to put those together and really drive the women's game forward along the men's," Knight told BBC Radio Somerset.

"It's an exciting time, probably a little bit of a transition period, it might take a few years to get things bedded in, but I think Somerset have been really welcoming."

Knight, who has been England captain since 2016 and led the team to the 2017 World Cup title, is currently in South Africa where England won the T20 series against the Proteas last month and completed a 2-1 one-day series win on Wednesday.

She will join her England team-mates, all-rounders Charlie Dean and Danielle Gibson, in Taunton next season.

"I think it'll bring hopefully a new fanbase to women's cricket now that it's under the Somerset umbrella," Knight added.

"Hopefully the brilliant support we get down as England women at Taunton when we play there, all those fans will come and watch Somerset women now they're under the Somerset brand.

"The girls have really enjoyed being part of the club and the professionalism that the club brings. It's a hugely successful club and the girls are really keen to try and have a bit of that success as well."

Knight, who grew up in Plymouth, Devon, said there was "no question" she was going to sign for Somerset.

As a teenager she spent a year on their academy and made her debut in 2005. In April this year she joined the club's board as an adviser.

"I was on the Somerset academy with Anya Shrubsole, Jack Leach, Jos Buttler, and I remember going down and training at Taunton a lot and being around those guys," Knight said.

"Jason Kerr was the coach at the time and he's progressed to Somerset head coach which is really cool. Really good memories, really enjoyed my time there and played a role towards the rest of my career which was nice."