Team India honour retiring Beaumont, Knight with signed jerseys
New Delhi, July 14
Members of the Indian women's cricket team paid an emotional tribute to England stalwarts Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight after the duo brought the curtains down on their international careers following the historic one-off Test at Lord's. In a touching gesture, the Indian players presented the two retiring cricketers with signed Team India jerseys in the visitors' dressing room after the match.
The Lord's Test, the first women's Test to be played at the iconic venue, concluded on Monday, marking the final international appearance for both Beaumont and former England captain Knight. India sealed a memorable 270-run victory to script history before bidding farewell to two of England's most influential figures in women's cricket.
Sharing a video of the presentation on its official social media platforms, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described the moment as a fitting tribute to two of the game's modern greats.
"A heartwarming tribute to two incredible careers. #TeamIndia players presented special signed jerseys to Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont to celebrate their remarkable time in international cricket," the caption read.
Addressing the two veterans in the visitors' dressing room, in the presence of the England squad, India batter Jemimah Rodrigues acknowledged their contribution to the sport and thanked them for inspiring generations of cricketers.
"So, on behalf of the Indian team, Tammy and Heather, we just want to thank you for all that you've done for women's cricket. It's not easy. The amount of effort, hard work, sacrifices and tears, but just to still come out there and do what you did for the country. You all have inspired a lot more people than you'll realise. And, you know, cricket is all about making memories. And we as the Indian team just want to leave you all with a small memory on your last match for England. Congratulations and all the best for everything," Jemimah said in the video.
The gesture was warmly received by Beaumont and Knight, who concluded distinguished international careers spanning more than a decade, having played pivotal roles in England's rise in the women's game.
— IANS
Reader Comments
What a classy move by the Indian team! Jemimah's speech was so heartfelt - she's not just a great player but a wonderful human being. This is what sportsmanship is all about. Both Beaumont and Knight inspired so many young girls in India too. Respect! 🙌
It's genuinely touching to see this kind of mutual respect in women's cricket. India's rise as a powerhouse is amazing to watch. But we also need to acknowledge that England, through players like Knight and Beaumont, laid a lot of groundwork for the professionalisation of the sport globally. They'll be missed!
This is what happens when you play the game in the right spirit. Our women's team is setting such a positive example - winning with grace and honouring opponents. Loved seeing the smiles in the dressing room. Cricket really does make memories that last forever! 🏏💙
As someone who follows women's cricket closely, I can't overstate how big Beaumont and Knight's contributions are. But I do think the Indian board could have done more to promote this Test match back home in India. A historic win at Lord's against a retiring great, and the coverage seemed minimal. Still, a beautiful gesture from the team.
This gave me goosebumps! Both legends have given so much to the game. And Jemimah's words - "the amount of effort, hard work, sacrifices and tears" - that's the reality behind all the glory. Our girls showed great character on the field and even greater character off it. Bharat Mata ki Jai! 🇮🇳🔥