Since making her West Indies debut as a teenager in 2014, Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews has been a constant figure in Maroon, rarely stepping away from international tours, franchise leagues, and the added responsibilities of captaincy.
For more than a decade, her career had been a near non-stop cycle of cricket.
That changed last summer. A shoulder injury sustained on the England tour in May required surgery and, for the first time in 11 years, Matthews was forced to step off the field and take a significant break.
“It certainly is the longest time that I’ve been away from the game since I started my career. It was a bit different, but I really enjoyed the time at home with loved ones, friends and family,” Matthews said.
The months that followed allowed her to reflect, recharge, and focus on her rehabilitation.
“Recovery is coming along really well. It’s been about three months since the surgery and it’s been a lot of hard work to get to where I am now. The quiet months after the surgery were a bit different for me,” she explained.
“After a career without many breaks for 11 years straight, it also gave me a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on everything that’s happened. There are a lot of proud moments for sure, but I’m still very hungry and looking forward to the future.”
Returning with hunger and purpose
That hunger has been the driving force behind Matthews’ preparation for the upcoming season. Her comeback begins with the Women’s Premier League in India, where she will feature alongside fellow West Indians Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry.
While Matthews focused on rehabilitation, her West Indies teammates were engaged in an intensive eight-week High-Performance camp in Antigua, running from October through December.
“The girls had a great opportunity to be in camp for an extended period of time where they worked hard on their skills but also on building the culture, dynamic, and purpose of the team going into such a big year,” Matthews said.
“I know the girls were there for a long time and were tired from a lot of hard work, but they were all very dedicated and committed to improving their skills and also their fitness.”
A formidable 2026 schedule
West Indies face an intense year in 2026, with tours and competitions stretching from February through the summer. The team will contest multiple series against Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe across different formats, with the T20 World Cup slotted for June and July in the United Kingdom.
Matthews, now 27 and in the prime of her career, reflected on the team’s growth over the last decade.
“The last time we were at the T20 World Cup, we got all the way to the semi-finals and I certainly feel like we’re a much better team now than we were then. This is a great opportunity for us to not only go to the World Cup, but to compete and fight for that trophy. We know within the dressing room that we have the ability to do it once we’re at our best.”
Making history in whites
Perhaps the most symbolic moment of 2026 will be the West Indies’ return to Test cricket for the first time since 2004. Their opponents will be Australia, marking 50 years since the team’s maiden series with the Aussies.
“This is going to be the first Test match for every single one of us on the team. It certainly is going to be an honour for me to put on the whites with the West Indies crest and wear that baggy cap as well. It’s a great opportunity for us to grow and learn even more about ourselves and our techniques as a group,” Matthews said.
She also highlighted the importance of the ICC Women’s Championship, emphasizing consistency against teams like Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.
“We know that at our best, these are the games we want to win more than lose, picking up crucial points in those series,” she added.
Renewed perspective, restored ambition
After months away from the spotlight, Matthews returns with not only her physical fitness restored but also with fresh perspective and determination. She is ready to lead, inspire, and guide West Indies women’s cricket into its next chapter, blending experience, skill, and leadership.
“After all these years, I still have that hunger to achieve more and to see this team reach its full potential. This is a big year, and I’m excited to be part of it,” she concluded.
