sevendayweekender – England spinner Charlie Dean will captain London Spirit in The Hundred this season, replacing Heather Knight, who suffered a hamstring injury in May during a T20 match against West Indies. Knight, who led the team to its first title last year, will miss the tournament due to the injury.
Dean, 24, brings leadership experience, having previously captained Spirit in 2022 when Knight was also unavailable. Although the team finished seventh that year, observers praised Dean’s leadership, and she has since gained valuable experience. Dean expressed both disappointment at Knight’s absence and optimism about the opportunity to lead. She highlighted the benefit of having Knight stay with the team as a mentor. Dean acknowledged the challenge of stepping in but welcomed the responsibility. “We have a great squad, and I know the expectation will be high after winning the competition last year,” she said.competition last year,” she said.
Heather Knight’s Impact and Continued Role
Heather Knight, a former England captain and key figure in women’s cricket, will not feature as a player this summer. However, she will stay involved with London Spirit in a coaching and mentoring capacity. This ensures continuity and stability during a transitional phase for the team.
Knight’s leadership guided Spirit to their first title in The Hundred last year. Her injury, a hamstring strain, occurred during the third T20 against West Indies. Despite the setback, her presence on the sidelines will support the team’s preparations and in-game strategies. Replacing Knight on the active roster is Surrey batter Kira Chathli. Chathli has previously played for Oval Invincibles and brings fresh energy to the squad. Her selection adds depth and domestic experience to the batting lineup.
Dean’s Experience and Team Leadership
Charlie Dean has been with London Spirit since the tournament began in 2021. Her development into a core player and now captain reflects her growing stature in the domestic and international game. Dean’s previous captaincy stint in 2022 gave her valuable insights into leading a franchise team. Although that campaign ended in a lower-table finish, it offered lessons that she now carries into a title-defending season.
With national and domestic experience under her belt, Dean’s leadership style is described as calm, communicative, and team-first. Her ability to connect with players on and off the field is expected to be a strong asset in Spirit’s campaign.
Spirit’s Coaching Changes for 2025
Alongside the change in captaincy, London Spirit has appointed Chris Liddle as their new head coach. Liddle, formerly the team’s pace bowling coach, replaces Ashley Noffke, who has taken a coaching role with Pakistan’s men’s team.
Liddle brings familiarity with the squad and an inside understanding of team dynamics. His appointment is expected to help maintain coaching consistency. The move reflects Spirit’s strategy of internal development and long-term planning. The rest of the coaching team remains stable, providing continuity and support for Dean’s new leadership. The blend of experience and fresh leadership aims to keep Spirit competitive in the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead to The Hundred 2025
London Spirit enters the new season with high expectations following their championship win in 2024. With Charlie Dean at the helm and Knight contributing off the field, the team retains a strong leadership presence.
The inclusion of Kira Chathli and the promotion of Chris Liddle add new dimensions to a well-balanced squad. The team’s focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and adapting to new roles and responsibilities. Dean’s captaincy marks a new chapter in her career and the team’s journey. Spirit fans will watch closely as she guides the title defenders into another competitive season of The Hundred.
