West Indies Women’s Team. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)
The West Indies women’s squad recently received a big boost as 27-year-old middle-order batter Chinelle Henry returned to the side after being named in the provisional squad for the first two ODIs against Ireland. It is worth noting that the West Indies women and Ireland women take on each other in a multi-format white ball series scheduled to begin on Monday, June 26.
Henry has fully recovered from her injury that kept her out of contention for selection in the recently held Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze. Furthermore, there were several names who received their maiden call-ups for the national team as well, Ashmini Munisar and wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh being among them.
Hayley Matthews will continue to captain the side, with Shemaine Campbelle as the vice captain. The official squad of 13 players will be named ahead of each match.
Following the announcement of the squad, Ann Browne-John, CWI’s lead selector for women’s cricket, came forward to opine that the series against Ireland could work well in the favour of the youngsters, as they, too, would be keen on transitioning from the shorter format to ODI cricket.
“The ODI series against Ireland gives a good opportunity for batters to focus and to stay longer at the crease and build an innings; a number of the younger players will be transitioning from the shorter format to the 50-over format. They definitely have the potential, and it is important that the policy of identifying young players and developing the talent pool is continued,” Ann Browne-John was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The squad shows a great balance: Browne-John
The series will be a part of the Women’s Championship, where the West Indies and Ireland find themselves at the bottom of the points table. Ahead of the series, Browne-John added that the Windies’ squad has a great balance of batting and bowling.
“The squad shows a great balance of batting coupled with a variety of bowling styles, which is something that has been lacking in the recent past. Victory here will provide valuable points as the team attempts to move up in the rankings and qualify for the World Cup,” Browne-John said.
Provisional squad for first two ODIs: Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams