Windies shuffle squad for Zimbabwe tour as Matthews, Dottin depart

Cricket West Indies has retained the core of its women's team for the upcoming six-match tour of Zimbabwe while making several changes that will give emerging players an opportunity to establish themselves at the international level.

The West Indies Women will contest three ODIs and three T20Is between September 24 and October 7, following a productive tour of Ireland and their recent campaign at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales.

Hayley Matthews will captain the side during the ODI series before taking personal leave and leaving the tour ahead of the T20I leg.

Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin has also been granted personal leave and will miss both series.

Brathwaite steps into the squad

Dottin's absence has opened the door for Eboni Brathwaite, the all-rounder and Under-19 World Cup prospect who has been brought into the squad as her replacement.

There is also a return for Chinelle Henry, who comes back into the group after an injury affected her involvement at the T20 World Cup.

Henry replaces opener Qiana Joseph, who has not been selected following a dip in form.

The changes mean the West Indies will begin the ODI leg with 15 players before the squad is reduced to 14 when Matthews departs.

Head coach Shane Deitz believes the combination of established players and younger members of the squad makes the tour an important developmental opportunity.

“We are looking forward to this tour of Zimbabwe,” Deitz said before the team's departure.

“They are a side we haven't played much, and, in their conditions, there will be some challenges. We have a young squad, so this is a great opportunity for some players to step up and take their opportunity at this level.”

Another step in the team's development

The Zimbabwe assignment forms part of the West Indies Women's broader preparation across both white-ball formats.

The team will look to carry forward the progress made during the Ireland tour and at the T20 World Cup, while giving several players further exposure to international cricket.

The unfamiliarity between the two sides adds another element to the assignment, with the West Indies having limited experience against Zimbabwe.

West Indies Women squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.

Team management: Head Coach: Shane Deitz, Team Manager: Sheena Gooding, Assistant Coaches: Ryan Austin, Ramesh Subasinghe, Shane Dowrich, Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Hector Martinez, Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy, Media & Content Officer: John Phillips.

Tour schedule

1st ODI — September 24
3:30 a.m. AST / 2:30 a.m. Jamaica
Harare Sports Club, Harare

2nd ODI — September 27
3:30 a.m. AST / 2:30 a.m. Jamaica
Harare Sports Club, Harare

3rd ODI — September 30
3:30 a.m. AST / 2:30 a.m. Jamaica
Harare Sports Club, Harare

1st T20I — October 3
7:00 a.m. AST / 6:00 a.m. Jamaica
Takashinga Cricket Club, Highfield

2nd T20I — October 5
6:00 a.m. AST / 5:00 a.m. Jamaica
Takashinga Cricket Club, Highfield

3rd T20I — October 7
6:00 a.m. AST / 5:00 a.m. Jamaica
Takashinga Cricket Club, Highfield