Captaincy would be 'massive honour' - Knight

Heather Knight has said she would be honoured to take on the challenge of leading England into a "new chapter" following the retirement of Charlotte Edwards.

Knight, 25, was Edwards' vice-captain and has been the main name linked to the position which Mark Robinson, the head coach who instigated the shift away from Edwards, will fill in the next few weeks ahead of England's summer assignment against Pakistan.

She made her England debut in 2010 and has now played 55 ODIs and 33 T20s alongside five Tests - she made 157 in the 2013 Ashes Test at Wormsley - although was one of the players to have an especially disappointing World T20 in India scoring 19 runs in four matches.

"It's really nice to be mentioned and have your name thrown about, it would be a massive honour and a really exciting challenge but the new captain will be decided in the next few weeks," Knight told ESPNcricinfo. "It's a new chapter for England women's cricket and it's an exciting time. I'm really looking forward to what the summer and the future holds."

It seems likely that England will also have to replace Sarah Taylor in the batting order after she decided to take a break from cricket although the exact timescale, and whether she could return for the Pakistan series which starts on June 20, is still to be confirmed.

"They've been two massive performers for us over the years and they'll be a big loss to the batting line-up," Knight said at the Chance to Shine MCC Spirit of Cricket open day at Lord's. "But we have some talented players coming through who haven't come to fruition on the international stage and it's all about having to step up without those key players we have relied upon in the past. It's an exciting opportunity for those younger players and I'm massively confident we can fill the void."

While looking forward, Knight said there was "sadness" about the end of the Edwards era and that it was difficult to put into words the impact she had during her 20-year career.

"First there was sadness for Charlotte but then looking back on her career and thinking how brilliant it has been to play with her for the last six years. Having a 20-year career at the top of the game and the things she has achieved is remarkable really. I'll look back with fondness on my time playing with her

"I don't think I can sum up what she has given to women's cricket in this country - my words aren't eloquent enough to describe her contribution. But how women's cricket has grown across her career, giving girls something to aspire to, is brilliant and Charlotte talks about having role models which is something she didn't have. We are all very proud of it."