However, her presence as a leader eventually became a block for others to bloom, which worked against her in the end.
After being told England would move on from her as captain and a player in 2016, I felt for her. There was a brutality to it because she was still playing well.
While fitness became a talking point, ultimately the coach wanted a team that didn’t rely on her leadership.
Eight years on and Heather Knight has found herself in the same unfortunate position around the captaincy. There is no other option but for others to step up.
No doubt that period came with a lot of soul-searching for Lot, but resilient people always find a way.
She tried different things but coaching just made sense, her passion for cricket never dimming. She understood a need to learn from the past, upgrade and adapt.
With success at Hampshire, Southern Brave, Sydney Sixers and Mumbai Indians, working in different environments with players of different standards, it’s obvious they respond well to her.
During this year’s Women’s Premier League, where she led Mumbai to the title, I was fortunate to watch her at close quarters.
With vastly different cricketing backgrounds and languages, she found ways to articulate her message to each player, showing patience and a desire to get to know them all.
There was pressure to win but her first priority was always to protect and nurture, especially the less experienced players, so they could deliver with a calm head.
With another major trophy to her name, there is no doubt she is ready to lead England.
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