The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the West Indies Women’s team gears up for their highly anticipated tour to Sri Lanka. This tour, set to commence next month, will feature a thrilling series of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The first match is scheduled for June 15 in Galle. This series holds significant importance, not just as a competitive endeavour but also as a critical opportunity for the team to solidify their standing in the ICC Women’s Championship and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Squad Announcement
The West Indies Women’s Selection Panel has meticulously chosen a squad of fifteen talented players, reflecting a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. This selection aims to ensure the team is well-prepared to face the challenges of the Sri Lankan tour. The squad is led by the dynamic Captain Hayley Matthews, whose leadership and form have been exceptional. Supporting her is Vice-Captain Shemaine Campbelle, a stalwart in the team known for her strategic insight and consistent performances.
Selectors’ Insights
Lead Selector Ann Browne-John has emphasized the strategic importance of this tour. “The ODI series serves as a crucial stepping stone towards automatic qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup,” she stated. This series provides an essential opportunity for the team to gain valuable points in the Women’s Championship. Additionally, the T20I series allows the squad to fine-tune their skills and strategies in preparation for the T20 World Cup, benefiting from the similar conditions in the Indian subcontinent.
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Lead Selector Ann Browne-John stated, “The ODI series serves as a crucial stepping stone towards automatic qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup, providing an essential opportunity for the team to gain more valuable points in the Women’s Championship. The tour also allows the squad, during the T20I series, to continue to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which takes place in September in Bangladesh. The similar Indian subcontinental conditions will help the team to refine their skills strategies, build synergy, and assess their strengths and areas for improvement against quality opposition. The experience gained here will be invaluable as they progress towards the T20 World Cup, ensuring they are well-prepared and in peak form for the challenges ahead.”
ODI Series Overview
The ODI series, taking place in Galle from June 15-21, is part of the ICC Women’s Championship. This series is pivotal for the West Indies Women as they aim to accumulate points and improve their standings. Currently, the West Indies Women are seventh in the table, with Sri Lanka close behind in eighth place but level on points. The matches are expected to be fiercely competitive, with both teams vying for an edge in the championship race.
T20I Series Overview
Following the ODIs, the focus will shift to the T20I series, which serves as a crucial preparation phase for the T20 World Cup in September. The T20I matches will provide the team with an opportunity to build synergy, test their strategies, and assess their strengths against quality opposition. This series is essential for fine-tuning the squad’s performance under conditions similar to those they will encounter in Bangladesh.
The full squad for the tour of Sri Lanka is as follows:
- Hayley Matthews (Captain)
- Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain)
- Aaliyah Alleyne
- Shamilia Connell
- Afy Fletcher
- Cherry Ann Fraser
- Shabika Gajnabi
- Chinelle Henry
- Zaida James
- Qiana Joseph
- Chedean Nation
- Karishma Ramharack
- Stafanie Taylor
- Rashada Williams
- Kate Wilmot
The team management unit for the series is as follows:
- Head Coach – Shane Deitz
- Assistant Coach – Ryan Austin
- Assistant Coach – Damien Wright
- Team Analyst – Gary Belle
- Physiotherapist – Tajay Grant
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – Antonia Burton
- Performance Coach – Dr. Nadine Sammy
- Team Manager – Sheena Gooding
The full match schedule for the series is as follows:
Sri Lanka Women v West Indies Women
Saturday 15 June – 1st ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle
Tuesday 18 June – 2nd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle
Friday 21 June – 3rd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle
Monday 24 June – 1st T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Wednesday 26 June – 2nd T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Friday 28 June – 3rd T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
The West Indies Senior Women’s team departs the Caribbean on Sunday 2 June for a seven day training camp in Colombo to prepare and acclimatise ahead of this important tour.
