Cricket West Indies (CWI) has embarked on an ambitious and trailblazing initiative to groom its next generation of women’s cricket stars, launching a state-of-the-art player development program in the cricketing haven of Tasmania, Australia.
This transformative program has already integrated four emerging Under-25 talents — Jannillea Glasgow, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shawnisha Hector, and Kate Wilmott — into Tasmania’s prestigious first-grade cricket competition. The groundbreaking effort, masterminded by West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz and Assistant Coach Damien Wright, is a monumental step forward in elevating the region’s presence in global women’s cricket.
A platform for excellence
The quartet of rising stars has been making waves, showcasing their skills in highly competitive matches. Glasgow and Wilmott have joined forces with New Town Cricket Club, while Fraser and Hector have brought their dynamic energy to Clarence Cricket Club. Notably, Fraser broke barriers by appearing in Clarence’s men’s third-grade competition, while Wilmott celebrated success by claiming a wicket against North Hobart.
Their prowess was on full display during a recent women’s T20 showdown, where Glasgow smashed an unbeaten 70 to lead New Town to a thrilling seven-run victory over Clarence. Hector also left a mark, remaining not out on 66 for Clarence.
High-performance training meets global exposure
The initiative not only thrusts these young athletes into the heart of competitive cricket but also provides an unparalleled training experience. Participants engage in intensive four-to-five-day weekly sessions, leveraging elite facilities such as Ninja Stadium (formerly Bellerive Oval) and rubbing shoulders with professionals from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) Hobart Hurricanes team.
Assistant Coach Damien Wright expressed his pride in the players’ progress and the program’s potential: “This is a wonderful initiative that combines high-performance training with valuable match experience. Our players are being exposed to leadership roles, new playing conditions, and elite competition — all crucial for their growth.”
He emphasized the value of giving these players pivotal roles in batting and bowling, adding: “They’re opening the batting, facing the new ball, and taking on the responsibility to score runs and take wickets. The positives are endless, and I hope we can build on this momentum.”
Strategic preparation for the international stage
This initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as the players prepare for upcoming international assignments, including a December tour of India and a home series against Bangladesh in January. The partnership with Cricket Tasmania, which has been instrumental in facilitating the program, underscores CWI’s forward-thinking approach to fostering international collaboration and enhancing player development.
The program’s emphasis on exposure to varied conditions, high-stakes competition, and professional mentorship is expected to transform these players into formidable assets for the West Indies Women’s cricket team.
Cricket West Indies hopes this effort will serve as a blueprint for future development programs, paving the way for more Caribbean players to gain invaluable experience on Australian soil. With this visionary project, CWI signals its unwavering commitment to building a robust foundation for women’s cricket in the region.
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