Windies Women plan to regroup ahead of World Cup opener

West Indies women shaking hands with opponents

Mumbai, India – The West Indies Women had their first taste of conditions in India on Monday, losing to Australia by 135 runs in their ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match at the Middle Income Group Ground.

Deandra Dottin showed her good form with a blazing 52 off 30 balls, including five sixes. The next best score was 32 from skipper Merissa Aguilleira, but the Windies were unable to string together any big partnerships and never challenged Australia’s 333-5 off 50 overs.

The side included a number of players who were given the chance to play in the Asian conditions – and the West Indies batted without world-leading opener and allrounder Stafanie Taylor, who was rested.

The Windies will now use Tuesday to regroup and have cancelled their match against a Mumbai Combined XI. Speaking after Monday’s game, Head Coach Sherwin Campbell explained the thinking behind the change in the match schedule.

“We have a few players with little niggles so we don’t want to risk any major injuries by playing tomorrow (Tuesday). We spoke about it and decided it makes no sense coming hard tomorrow again, and then have injuries leading into the tournament,” Campbell told WICB Media.

“Rest and recovery is important. The players will get some rest as well as have some planning sessions as we look to get our strategy spot on for the crucial match against India. We want to get off to a winning start in the tournament. We have another training session planned for Wednesday and will start confidently on Thursday.”

Reflecting on Monday’s result, Campbell said: “We didn’t bowl as well as we know we can. To let them get 300-plus was also going to put pressure on our batters. However, Deandra played really well and demonstrated how good a player she is.

“Part of the exercise was to allow some of the newcomers, such as June Ogle and Natasha McLean at the top of the order, to get to experience the conditions over here in the sub-continent. Stafanie didn’t bat as we decided to give her a rest. The twin sisters (Kycia and Kyshona Knight) were unable to bat as they were feeling a little unwell, but everyone will be ready on Thursday,” he assured.

The Windies will play in Group A alongside defending champions England, hosts India, and Sri Lanka. Group B will include Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.

FULL SQUAD:

Merissa Aguilleira (Captain)

Stafanie Taylor (Vice Captain)

Shemaine Campbelle

Shanel Daley

Deandra Dottin

Kycia Knight

Kyshona Knight

Natasha McLean

Anisa Mohammed

Subrina Munroe

Juliana Nero

June Ogle

Shaquana Quintyne

Shakera Selman

Tremayne Smartt

WEST INDIES MATCH SCHEDULE

January 31: vs India at Brabourne Stadium

February 3: vs Sri Lanka at MIG Ground

February 5: vs England at Bandra Kurla Complex

Super Six matches: to be played on February 8, 10, 11, 13, 15

FINAL: February 17 at Cricket Club of India (day/night)