Coolidge – Experienced batsman Natasha McLean and off-spinner Sheneta Grimmond earned recalls
in a 17-member West Indies Women’s provisional squad for their three One-day Internationals against New Zealand Women later this month.
The Windies Women, under new captain, Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews, face the New Zealanders on September 16, 18, and 22 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.
McLean, 27, played the last of her 30 ODIs almost three years ago against India Women at the same venue, and Grimmond, 24, played the last of her seven ODIs last November against Pakistan Women in Karachi.
They earned another chance after performances in 6IXTY and Women’s Caribbean Premier League, and the unavailability of three experienced players, lead selector Ann Browne-John said.
“With a few senior players unavailable at this time, for different reasons, such as the experienced Anisa Mohammed, Kycia Knight, and recently retired Deandra Dottin, the selectors were still able to get a blend of senior and developing players, including Under-19 player Jannillea Glasgow and returning players Natasha McLean and Sheneta Grimmond,” she said.
Browne-John added that she believed that Matthews will have a promising squad of players to start building towards greater things in the future.
“The New Zealand series is very important on the women’s cricket landscape not only because it starts a new cycle, but also because it is part of the preparation leading towards the T20 World Cup in South Africa,” she said.
West Indies Women will be looking to step up their performances after reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 New Zealand, where they were beaten by eventual champions Australia Women.
The Windies Women and New Zealand Women will also play five Twenty20 Internationals after the ODI series.
Squad:
Hayley Matthews (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.
Match Schedule
September
Fri 16: First ODI – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua (9:30 a.m. start)
Sun 18: Second ODI – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua (9:30 a.m.)
Thu 22: Third ODI – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua (9:30 a.m.)
(AR)