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Raise Your Game: Why cricket?

Heather Knight: I started playing cricket when I was eight-years-old. I went with my brother who had just started playing cricket at the local colts club and I really enjoyed it so it started from there.

RYG: How did you progress to an elite level?

HK: I am originally from Plymouth so I started playing county cricket for the girls Under-15 side in Devon before moving to the ladies' team. I played regional games against the best youngsters in the country and was selected for the England Women's Academy in 2009.

RYG: You were called up to the England Women's squad on their tour of India in 2010 as a replacement for Sarah Taylor. How did that make you feel?

HK: I was at Lord's Cricket Ground playing an indoor tournament for Cardiff University when I received a call asking me to fly out the next day. It was a bit of a shock and I had to drive straight back to Cardiff to pack and say my goodbyes, but there's nothing quite like the feeling of running out in that England shirt.

RYG: How did you cope with joining a team that you had never played with before?

HK: I already knew some of the players but not all of them. It's really important to get to know the team beforehand because once you get to know people off the pitch, you will work better as a team on the pitch.There were a few pre-match nerves, but apart from that I was more excited about pulling on the England shirt and getting out there. Win as a team, lose as a team.

RYG: What makes a successful team?

HK: It's important to know your role within the team and what you need to do to contribute to the team effort. Cricket is unique as it's a team game played by individuals. It's about performing individually for the team.

RYG: What does it take to be a great cricketer?

HK: To be a successful cricketer requires intense concentration and discipline. Cricket is all about performing on the day and doing the right things at the right times which is the same as studying for your exams. These skills have definitely helped me with my studies in university.

RYG: What has cricket given you?

HK: I wouldn't have travelled to India or the West Indies if I hadn't have started to play cricket. I've also met so many people and made friends for life because the things you go through as a team have helped create a connection between us. It's all about being part of a great team!

RYG: What advice would you give to any youngsters looking to be successful in sport?

HK: Don't over-analyse difficult situations. Think about what went wrong and what you're going to do to make it better. Put the past behind you and get on with the task in hand because it's amazing how quickly things can turn around!

Make sure you're doing something that you enjoy and set yourself targets. Break them down into smaller goals and that will help you achieve the bigger goals. It's important to ask for support from those around you because you don't really learn without asking questions.