Hot on the heels of a notable 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup performance in the United Arab Emirates, the West Indies women’s cricket team is gearing up for an away series against India. Scheduled from December 15 to 27, 2024, this series will comprise three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). In preparation for this crucial tour, Cricket West Indies has revealed their squad of 15 players.
After consecutive sixth-place finishes at previous Women’s T20 World Cups, the West Indies marked a remarkable comeback by reaching the semi-finals in 2024. Central to this revival was the return of Deandra Dottin to the T20I roster. Dottin, who unexpectedly announced her retirement in August 2022 and moved to Canada, is now included in the ODI lineup as well. In contrast, Stafanie Taylor, who was instrumental in the team’s World Cup success despite playing with an injury, will be rested for the tour to India.
Dottin excelled during the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring 120 runs from five matches at an impressive strike rate of 162.16, while also taking four wickets. She continued her form into the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), accumulating 148 runs at a strike rate of 151.02 over nine matches and claiming nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.51. As she prepares for her first ODI since March 2022, Dottin brings significant experience, having amassed 3727 runs in 135 ODIs at an average of 30.54, along with 72 wickets in 94 games at an economy rate of 4.87.
The West Indies will miss the seasoned Stafanie Taylor, who boasts remarkable stats of 5691 runs and 155 wickets from 160 ODIs, alongside 3426 runs and 98 wickets from 125 T20Is. Taylor is still in recovery from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where she missed one game but managed to play through considerable discomfort to contribute vital runs.
Additionally, the squad announcement signifies the comeback of pacer Shabika Gajnabi and keeper-batter Rashada Williams, both of whom were not part of the T20 World Cup squad.
West Indies ODI and T20I squad for the India tour:
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams
Among the squad, Nerrisa Crafton stands out as the only uncapped player, although she took part in the warm-up matches ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ashmini Munisar has the opportunity to return to ODI cricket for the first time since June 2023, while Shabika Gajnabi could make her T20I comeback since October 2023.
This series will mark the West Indies’ third consecutive ODI engagement in the subcontinent, having previously played against Pakistan in April, winning 3-0, and Sri Lanka in June, where they suffered a 0-3 loss. All-rounder and captain Hayley Matthews will be eager to leverage the momentum from the T20 World Cup and lead her team to a turnaround.
She will enjoy essential backing from experienced players like Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, and Shamilia Connell, as well as spinners Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack. Newly emerging talents Zaida James and Qiana Joseph are also anticipated to be instrumental during this series.
Before the six-match series begins, a nine-day training camp in India is planned, with the T20I matches kicking off in Navi Mumbai on December 15, 17, and 19, followed by the ODIs in Vadodara on December 22, 24, and 27. With another World Cup lined up in India next year, this series represents a golden opportunity for the touring squad to gain valuable experience and insights.
Image Source: Deandra Dottin @ Instagram
