Knight returns from injury in Thunder win

England captain Heather Knight returned from a calf injury in Sydney Thunder's 33-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Knight ruptured a tendon while batting in England’s T20 World Cup defeat by West Indies and retired hurt, but insisted the injury "would not keep her out for long".

The 33-year-old missed Thunder’s opening-game defeat by Hurricanes, but returned to be named Player of the Match in Thursday's win after making 48 from 28 balls.

Knight and Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu shared 35 for the third wicket as Thunder posted 146-5 from their 17 overs after a delayed start. Right-arm fast bowler Heather Graham was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers, taking 2-18.

Hurricanes' chase started with Knight’s England team-mate Danni Wyatt-Hodge being dismissed for just seven by Athapaththu, closely followed by Nicola Casey for five.

Elyse Villani and Heather Graham built a partnership of 43, but both were dismissed within the space of four balls. Hurricanes' lower order failed to add any substantial runs as they finished on 113-8.

Hannah Darlington was Thunder’s top wicket-taker with 3-24.

"The body never feels good at 33, but it was nice to be back out there. I’m really pleased with how it went and it is great to start tournaments with wins," said Knight.

Thunder play their next game on Friday against Adelaide Strikers at the Sydney Oval. Knight will next captain England during their tour of South Africa, which begins on 24 November.