THE Windies women are expected to be flying high following their World T20 Championship last year as they start their campaign in the ICC Women’s One Day International against reigning champions Australia on Monday.
The tournament, which starts on Saturday, will see host England play India at Derby County Ground.
The Windies squad reads: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, DeandraDottin, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, and Felicia Walters.
The Windies is currently 5th on the ICC list. In their remaining matches, they will play India on June 29, South Africa on July 2, New Zealand on July 6, Sri Lanka on July 9, Pakistan on July 11 and England on July 15.
The talking point: Four uncapped players have been included in West Indies’ World Cup squad while Shanel Daley returns from injury. Reniece Boyce, Qiana Joseph, Akeira Peters and Felicia Walters are all in line to make international debuts while Daley last played for the Windies against Australia in late 2014.
Whether she’s wielding the bat or the ball, expect Stafanie Taylor to be in the thick of the action this World Cup. One of the world’s best ODI players, Taylor has proven time and time again she can take the game away from the opposition. Her consistency is another crucial element in a team that can, at times, struggle to string together strong performances.
Hayley Matthews is the one to watch. She is set to play her first World Cup at age 19 but the all-rounder has already made a big impact on the world stage. Last year, her 45-ball 66 n.o. propelled the Windies to victory over Australia in the World T20 final. But consistency has been an issue for the teenager since she started her ODI career with three consecutive fifties in late 2014. Her last half-century was in February 2016 and after 23 matches, she averages 24.78 at the top of the order.
The Windies will carry a lot of confidence from their breakthrough World T20 win last year, but there is a question mark over their preparation for the tournament. Before their arrival in England, their last hit-out was a 0-3 series loss to India last November. They only reconvened as a team for a short camp in late May, but their early arrival in England has allowed extra time to adapt to the conditions. One of the more inconsistent teams in the tournament, anything can happen for the Windies this tournament. When they click, they can beat anyone, but it’s all a matter of timing.