ICC Women’s World Cup: West Indies announce squad; Shanel Daley makes comeback

West Indies women were the runners-up in the last edition of ICC Women's World Cup, held in Bangladesh.

West Indies women‘s squad has been announced for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, which will be played in England. The squad is a blend of experience and young players. The selectors have gone with as many as four new faces, including 16-year-old fast bowler Qiana Joseph. The three other newcomers include 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Reniece Boyce, 23-year-old all-rounder Akeira Peters and 25-year-old opening batter Felicia Walters. West Indies women would fancy their chances of doing well in the marquee event after tasting success in the previous edition and winning the ICC World Twenty20 (2016) held in India. READ: WICB increase West Indies women players’ compensation packages

Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, stated that these four players emerged after much success in the emerging women’s players’ camp held in 2016. “The team is composed of a mixture of youth and experience. Performances in this year’s Women’s Regional Super50 Tournament along with the form of incumbent players over the last few international tours were taken into consideration”, Browne was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

“The panel felt all four [new] players bring a specific skill-set to the team. It should also be noted that all four players are products of our last training camp for emerging women’s players held last year. We feel at this time that these players, although not as experienced, have shown improvement and can add value to our squad”, added Browne.

All-rounder Shanel Daley’s was the notable comeback in the team after she got a look-in having played last in November 2014. Browne even justified her selection. “Shanel’s ability as a player has never been in question. She however, had some injury issues over the last few years. Those issues are now under control and our medical personnel, as well as Oba Gulston, the physiotherapist for the women’s team, will continue to monitor and manage her”, concluded Browne.

West Indies will commence their campaign against defending champions Australia. It will be a repeat telecast of last edition’s final, wherein Australia won by 114 runs to lift the title for the sixth time.

Squad:

West Indies: Stafanie Taylor (c), Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Quiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, Felicia Walters

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