WOMEN’S cricket has come a long way in a short time according to England captain Heather Knight.

Knight, who took over from long-serving Charlotte Edwards last summer, is just back from steering England to a series win in Sri Lanka.

England’s record in the ICC Women’s Championship qualifier was played four, won them all, which guaranteed them a place in next summer’s World Cup in England.

Knight, whose cricket journey started with Plymstock then Devon, had a good series with bat and ball to help England on their way to the World Cup finals.

The last game of the series was played in the Premadasa Stadium in Columba, a regular venue for Test matches and one-day internationals.

When Knight first played for England as a 19-year old batsman in 2010 it was a low-grade ground in India.

Knight has made giant strides since them, and so has the women’s game.

“Going full time two years ago made a massive difference to women’s cricket,” said Knight, who has led England to three series wins since being appointed captain.

 “Before, when we were part-time, cricket was fitted in around part-time jobs.

“Now we have time to prepare properly and stay fully focussed on cricket.

“This year we had the Kia Super League and there is a women’s Big Bash coming.

“Interest in women’s cricket is growing all the time. When I started playing as a youngster at Plymstock I would never have imagined women’s cricket would be on television; now it is.”

Knight missed one of the games in Sri Lanka due to injury, but in the three she played she made 45,53 and 11. In the first one-day international her off-spin claimed two for 29 from eight overs.

At the start of her tenure as England captain Knight turned in a player-of-the-match performance with five wicket and 50 not out in a seven-wicket win over Pakistan at Leicestershire’s Grace Round ground.

Some players find it hard to maintain their form and captain a side. Others thrive on the added responsibility and Knight likes to think she is one of those.

“I really enjoy the extra responsibility of being captain,” said Knight, who also skippers the Western Storm Kia Super League franchise.

“It helped before I was given the England job that I had captained sides before and had that insight.

“As much as I enjoy being captain, first and foremost my job is to be a player scoring runs and taking wickets. Right now it is going well.”

England were expected to beat Sri Lanka, but expectation and actuality don’t always marry up.

“In their conditions it was a banana skin for us so it was great to end the year on a high,” said Knight.