The regional side lost the four-match series 2-1 in South Africa last month but will hope for a turnaround when they face England, the reigning World Cup and World Twenty20 champions. And Windies captain Merissa Aguilleira called on her players to show their potential and play to their strengths.
“Everyone in the team has been chosen because we know they have the ability to perform at the international level,” the 23-year-old Trinidadian said. “Everyone knows their role and their responsibilities towards the team unit. This is a big series for us against England, who are the world champions in both One-Day cricket and T20 cricket, and a big opportunity for players to advance if they want to be counted as world-class players.
“Once we stay cool out there in the middle and play to our strengths we can be victorious.”
West Indies face England in the opening match Warner Park starting at 9.30 am, with the second match scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue. The final match is carded for Saturday, also at Warner Park.
Aguilleira, who has been with the team for close to two years and has played 19 ODIs and six T20 Internationals, pointed out that the pace and tempo of the game was increasing and said her side needed to make quick adjustments. “Women’s cricket is developing rapidly. As a young player getting into cricket the game was a bit slow, but at international level the pace is must faster and you have to make that adjustment,” Aguilleira said.
“Now with T20s being an integral part of the game you can see how the game has advance and all areas of the game – batting, bowling and fielding – and our players are learning with every game.”
She added: “Over the past year and especially with women participating in the T20 World Championship, we have noticed that the pace has increased and players are enjoying it.
“This is an exciting time for women’s cricket and we are really looking forward to this series against England and the upcoming international assignments next year.”
This series will be the first time England will clash with West Indies since the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia back in March this year.
Following the one-day series, West Indies will clash with England in three T20s, a form of the game they have excelled in.
On their recent tour of South Africa, they swept the hosts 3-0 in the game’s shortest form.
TEAMS : WEST INDIES – Merissa Aguilleira (Captain), Anisa Mohammed (Vice Captain), Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Cordel Jack, Stacy Ann King, Pamela Lavine, Chadean Nation, Amanda Samaroo, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.
ENGLAND – Charlotte Edwards (Captain), Caroline Atkins, Tamsin Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin, Lydia Greenway, Isa Guha, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Beth Morgan, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Nicky Shaw, Anya Shrubsole.
