England captain Heather Knight has joined Somerset for the 2025 season.
The 33-year-old, who guided England to victory in the 2017 World Cup, has been captain of Western Storm – leading them to two Super League titles.
She represented the side, that covered Somerset and neighbours Gloucestershire from 2016, and will join Somerset following a revamp of the domestic women’s game. In April, she was appointed as a cricket advisor to Somerset’s board.
Knight has played 143 One Day Internationals, 124 T20 internationals and 12 Test matches for England – scoring in excess of 6,800 runs.
She has been England captain since 2016 and has also played overseas for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sydney Thunder.
“Somerset is a club that holds a special place in my heart, so I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Knight, who began playing in Plymouth and came up through the Devon pathway.
“The South West has played an integral role in my journey and it’s a privilege to be able to represent the region that means so much to me.
“We have a genuine opportunity to create something special.
“This is the first Somerset women’s team of the professional era, and we have a duty to those who have gone before and laid the foundations to make sure that we are a team that competes on the field and inspires young people across the region.”
Somerset are one of eight counties that have been given Tier 1 status by the ECB for 2025 to replace the regions that have competed in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Knight joins England all-rounders Charlie Dean and Danielle Gibson as confirmed signings for next year.
Somerset head coach Trevor Griffin said: “Heather is a player I’ve worked with for many years, and I’m delighted she will be playing for Somerset when her England commitments allow.
“She is a true professional who impacts games both on and off the pitch and is an invaluable addition to any side.
“I’m sure our supporters will be looking forward to seeing Heather in a Somerset shirt and winning games of cricket for us.”