Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently announced the 15-member women’s squad for the much-anticipated home series against South Africa Women. This series is set to take place from June 11 to June 23 at the prestigious 3Ws Oval in Barbados, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The announcement comes after a disappointing tour of England, where the West Indies Women’s team, the Maroon Warriors, were unable to secure a single victory in a six-match ODI and T20I series. However, with the opportunity to play at home, the team’s focus is now on regrouping and reigniting their performance.
Coming back to familiar conditions provides the West Indies Women with a chance to reset and regroup. The players are determined to deliver more consistent performances and utilize their home advantage. Throughout the series, they hope to showcase their full potential, setting aside any disappointment from their recent outings.
Despite their struggles in England, there were bright spots. Notably, international debutants like Jahzara Claxton, who became the first woman from St Kitts to play international cricket, and Realeanna Grimmond, who impressed by scoring a half-century on her ODI debut, showed glimpses of their talent. Captain Hayley Matthews was the standout performer in the T20I series, amassing 177 runs and taking three wickets, earning her the title of player of the series.
In terms of rankings, the South African team arrives significantly more favored. Currently, they are ranked 5th in both ODI and T20 formats, while the West Indies sits at 9th and 5th, respectively. This ranking indicates the challenge that awaits the Maroon Warriors, as they face a formidable opponent in the Proteas Women, who pose a strong threat with their skill and experience.
Leading the squad once again is Hayley Matthews, with a slight change from the England tour: the experienced all-rounder Chinelle Henry replaces Cherry-Ann Fraser. Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, expressed confidence in the team’s potential to bounce back in front of their home fans. He emphasized that this home series presents the ideal opportunity for the girls to regain their footing and confidence.
“The team is talented and resilient,” Bascombe noted. “We look forward to seeing them play passionate cricket.”
Head Coach Shane Deitz echoed this sentiment, discussing the importance of learning from the England tour and integrating younger players into the squad. He highlighted the fact that five players aged 21 and under participated in the last ODI against England, reinforcing the team’s commitment to fostering fresh talent.
“It was a great learning opportunity for our younger players, and we believe their experiences will contribute significantly in this series,” Deitz remarked. He also showed excitement about Matthews leading the team in her hometown, and welcomed the return of Chinelle Henry, praising her world-class performance over the past year.
The first ODI is slated for June 11, with matches spread across the following weeks. The second T20I on June 22 is expected to be particularly remarkable, as it coincides with the CWI and West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) Awards ceremony, where the achievements of Caribbean cricket stars will be celebrated.
Fans can look forward to attending the matches, which are free of charge, and all games will be broadcast live across the Caribbean and internationally on ESPN Caribbean. For avid followers of women’s cricket, this series represents an exciting opportunity to witness the West Indies team in action against a top-ranked opponent.
The West Indies Women’s squad for the series against South Africa features promising players alongside experienced veterans. The lineup includes:
– Hayley Matthews (Captain)
– Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain)
– Aaliyah Alleyne
– Jahzara Claxton
– Afy Fletcher
– Shakiba Gajnabi
– Jannillea Glasgow
– Realeanna Grimmond
– Chinelle Henry
– Zaida James
– Qiana Joseph
– Mandy Mangru
– Ashmini Munisar
– Karishma Ramharack
– Stafanie Taylor
The team’s management comprises:
– Head Coach: Shane Deitz
– Team Manager: Sheena Gooding
– Assistant Coach: Ryan Austin
– Assistant Coach: Damien Wright
– Team Analyst: Gary Belle
– Physiotherapist: Angelica Holder
– Strength & Conditioning Coach: Hector Martinez Charles
– Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy
– Media & Content Officer: Nicholas Maitland
As fans prepare to support the Maroon Warriors, the schedule promises thrilling encounters. The series commences with the first ODI on June 11, and the excitement continues with matches following on June 14 and 17, as well as T20Is on June 20, 22, and 23.
With renewed focus and determination, the West Indies Women’s team aims to harness the spirit of their home crowd and deliver performances that resonate with passion and pride. As they step onto the field, both players and fans anticipate a wonderful series filled with skill, ambition, and a celebration of Caribbean cricket.
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