Hayley Matthews, Caneisha Isaac added to WI squad for final ODI

Hayley Matthews and Caneisha Isaac are the two new entrants in the West Indies squad for the third and final ODI against India at the Sir Vivan Richards Stadium in Antigua on Wednesday (November 6). The pair will replace the injured duo of Britney Cooper and Chinelle Henry who were both ruled out of the series after the first ODI.

While Cooper, the top order batter, suffered a bruised shin after being struck by a ball during practice, Henry was injured during the course of the first ODI. The allrounder crashed head-first into the advertising boards on the boundary when she dived in an attempt to stop the ball. Although Henry successfully saved two runs— something that was crucial to West Indies’ one-run triumph— she suffered a concussion and has been advised seven days of rest.

Isaac is an uncapped medium pacer from Trinidad and Tobago who was recently called up to the West Indies training camp where she caught the selectors’ eye.

Matthews, the top order batter, will join the squad having completed her eight-match suspension.

“Two players were ruled out after the first CMI ODI due to injury, Britney Cooper and Chinelle Henry who suffered a concussion during the match and actually had the concussion substitute rule enforced for the first time in a Women's International in the West Indies,” Ann Browne-John, CWI’s lead selector said. “The duo have been replaced by Caneisha Isaac who comes in from the 2nd CMI ODI and Hayley Matthews who returns from the 3rd CMI ODI.”

“Isaac is a young medium pacer and a live wire on the field who impressed during the recent pre series camp. She will join the group of young medium pacers being groomed in the thrust to continue the development of young players.”

West Indies go into the final ODI with everything to play for with the series currently tied at 1-1. The inclusion of Matthews will strengthen their squad massively, and hopefully end their top-order woes.

Squad: Stafanie Taylor (c), Anisa Mohammed (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, Caneisha Isaac, Chedean Nation, Stacy-Ann King, Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector