JOHN’S, Antigua— Cricket West Indies (CWI) has revealed the squad set to embark on an electrifying tour of India this December, where the West Indies Senior Women will face the formidable Indian team in a multi-format series.
The tour includes three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, promising a thrilling spectacle of talent, strategy, and determination.
With matches scheduled at iconic venues like the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, this series is poised to test the mettle of the sixth-ranked West Indies Women as they take on a third-ranked Indian team brimming with confidence.
A pivotal opportunity for the Maroon Warriors
Following a semi-final finish at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, the West Indies Women are eager to convert their recent momentum into crucial ICC Women’s Championship points. This series serves as both a proving ground and a launchpad for the team as they strive to solidify their position among cricket’s elite.
The last encounter between these two sides on Indian soil in 2016 was a tale of contrasting outcomes, with the West Indies clinching the T20I series 3-0 before India reversed fortunes with a dominant 3-0 ODI series victory.
Dynamic leadership and emerging stars
At the helm of the squad is the indomitable Hayley Matthews, whose stellar performances in the Women’s Big Bash League have bolstered her reputation as a world-class leader and player. The squad, a balanced blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, includes stalwarts like Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin, alongside promising players such as Nerissa Crafton and Zaida James.
However, the team will miss the experience of former captain Stafanie Taylor, who is sidelined due to injury.
Head Coach Shane Deitz exuded optimism about the team’s prospects, stating: “We want to take the good momentum we gained at the T20 World Cup into this series. Playing against one of the best teams in the world is a great opportunity to measure ourselves and continue building consistency in our performances.”
Deitz also highlighted the broader implications of the tour, noting, “It’s always good to play in front of the Indian IPL teams. It’s a chance for our players to showcase their talent and potentially open doors for franchise opportunities.”
A rigorous schedule in hostile conditions
The series kicks off on December 15, following a comprehensive 10-day acclimatization camp in India. The T20Is will be contested at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere, while the ODI leg shifts to the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, where the stakes for ICC Championship points will be sky-high.
West Indies Women’s Full Squad: Captain, Hayley Matthews, Vice-Captain, Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams.
Expert support staff
The squad will be supported by an expert management team, including Head Coach Shane Deitz, Assistant Coaches Ryan Austin and Damien Wright, and a robust performance team led by Dr. Nadine Sammy.
As the West Indies Women gear up for this high-stakes series, the cricketing world will watch closely to see if they can translate potential into performance against a powerhouse Indian side.
