Plymouth star Heather Knight shows Devon girls the power of cricket

The Women’s Cricket World Cup is drawing global attention to the sport, and here in Devon we have a special reason to feel part of it.

The tournament kicked off on 30 September with India taking on Sri Lanka, and the England team face South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on 3 October, with Knight part of the team for the first World Cup since stepping down as captain in 2016.

She learned her game locally, playing for Plymstock Cricket Club in the Devon Cricket League before stepping up to international level. 

Speaking to the Plymouth Sports Gazette when she received her OBE, she reflected on her early years: “When I was a young girl playing cricket for my brother’s team in Plymouth, I couldn’t have imagined that one day I would receive an honour for captaining my country. It just shows what’s possible. Hopefully young girls pursuing sport today will see that it can take you places.”

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Today, she represents England on the world stage, showing how a player from Plymouth can inspire millions. Her journey is a reminder that world-class talent can be nurtured right here in the Westcountry.

Devon has its own women’s county side, Devon Women, who compete against other counties each season. They provide a pathway for young players hoping to follow in Heather’s footsteps.

Closer to home, Plymouth Cricket Club has a Women’s 1st XI, and even their junior girls’ teams are making waves in the county.

The club’s Under-15s recently won bronze in the Devon T10 hardball competition, in what was described as a “thrilling last-ball finish”. 

Clubs around Dartmoor, including Tavistock and Okehampton, also run girls’ and women’s clubs, giving opportunities for all ages.

The World Cup shines a spotlight on the women’s game and for Dartmoor and Plymouth, this means more girls are likely to pick up a bat or ball, encouraged by seeing role models like Heather Knight succeed.

With stronger youth teams, more investment, and a World Cup player who honed her skills at Plymstock Cricket Club, the dream of seeing more local players on the world stage feels closer than ever.

From inner-city clubs to village greens across Dartmoor, the future of women’s cricket in Devon looks bright.