Charlotte Edwards is a ‘true cricketing legend’ according to the front-runner to follow on as England Ladies captain.

After a stunning 20-year career, which saw her named captain in 2005 and lead her country an incredible 220 times, Edwards announced her retirement from the international game last week.

That has left a void at the very top of the women’s game and as Edwards’ vice-captain, Heather Knight is expected to be the next player to skipper the nation.

Knight’s credentials are there for all to see as she has played in five Tests, 55 ODIs and 33 T20s since making her England debut in 2010 – the highlight being a knock of 157 in the 2013 Ashes.

But the 25-year-old suffered at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, scoring just 19 runs in four matches, and that could cost her with head coach Mark Robinson looking to make an appointment ahead of England’s upcoming One-Day International Series against Pakistan that kicks off on June 20.

And with Edwards leading England to the 2009 World Cup and World T20 titles, as well as four Ashes victories against Australia, Knight knows following in Edwards’s formidable shoes is easier said than done.

“Lottie retiring after 20 years at the top of the game is quite sad and I am not eloquent enough to put her contribution to the game in a few sentences,” Knight said.

“She has had a brilliant career and there is a hell of a lot she can be proud of. I have been lucky enough to play under her for all of my England career.

“She is a true cricketing legend and I guess her legacy will show, from when she started her career to when she finished, how much the game has changed.

“She has been a massive part in helping the sport evolve and getting a lot more girls playing.

“She will be a big loss for us, she has been captain for ten years so it will be very different, but on the other hand it is quite an exciting time and a new chapter for the team and gives a good opportunity for everyone.

“With the captaincy then I guess we will have to wait and see the decision that is made in the next few weeks but whatever happens, as a team it is all about us now and looking to the future, and what is to come in the next year.

“I am really honoured to have my name thrown out there and in the hat, but there are a lot of really good characters in the dressing room.

“It is not just about the captain leading the team, it is about all the girls stepping up and filling the void of the few players we have lost, and looking to the future.”

And while Edwards’ retirement has thrown a spanner in the works, Knight admits it is a chance for her understudies to stake a claim for a permanent spot with England.

“Every game we play for England we look to win and this summer will be no different,” she added.

“With the changes that have gone on it will be quite a challenging summer for us and one that we will look to start positively against Pakistan as people look to try and cement places in the batting order.

Pakistan will be a big one but it will be good fun.”

Knight was speaking at a Royal London event, showcasing their support of the Women’s game and the upcoming One-Day International Series against Pakistan. For more information visit www.royallondoncricket.com