Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-player squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, with Guyanese Shemaine Campbelle appointed as vice-captain and Barbadian Hayley Matthews continuing as captain.
The tour, scheduled from May 21 to June 8, will see the West Indies Women face England in three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals across various venues.
CWI described the squad as a “strong mix of experienced players and emerging talent eager to represent the region well,” aiming to build on their recent participation in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan.
Notably, there are two changes from the squad that contested the World Cup Qualifiers: 20-year-old Guyanese all-rounder Realeanna Grimmond and Kittitian fast bowler Jahzara Claxton replace Jamaican wicketkeeper-batter Rashada Williams and all-rounder Chinelle Henry, respectively.
The team boasts six Guyanese players, with Campbelle and Grimmond joined by Ashmini Munisar, Mandy Mangru, Shabika Gajnabi, and Cherry-Ann Fraser.
They last faced England on October 15 last year in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group B clash in Dubai. The West Indies chased down England’s 141 for 7 with 12 balls to spare, sealing a six-wicket win.
The result ended a 13-match losing streak against England and secured the West Indies a place in the semi-finals, while eliminating England from the tournament.
CWI’s Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe stated that the “tour offers our women an important opportunity to reassert themselves on the international stage. It’s a chance to demonstrate the talent, grit, and character that are synonymous with West Indies cricket.”
He added: “The ongoing T20 Blaze competition has arrived at a good time, allowing many of our senior and emerging players to stay sharp in a competitive environment. We’re fully committed to strengthening our women’s programme and see this tour as a vital step in that journey.”
Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasised the importance of applying their preparations in match situations.
“This is a real opportunity to test our skills and put into practice everything we’ve been discussing off the pitch. Talk is cheap. It’s now about action – going out there, playing with intent and showing the kind of cricket we’re capable of.”
He continued: “We’ve played our best cricket in the T20 format over the past year or so, so we’re excited to start strong. We’ve brought a good side to England and we’re aiming to put on a proper show for the fans there, and for all our supporters back in the Caribbean.”
Deitz also noted the players’ dedication since the Pakistan qualifiers and during the T20 Blaze.
“The girls have been working hard. Now it’s about making that transition back to international cricket and delivering performances that make the Caribbean proud.”
West Indies squad:Â Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.
