Stafanie Taylor returns to lead West Indies for tour to Pakistan

New Update
Stafanie Taylor returns to lead West Indies for tour to Pakistan

Stafanie Taylor congratulates the Pakistan batters. © Getty Images

Stafanie Taylor will return to lead West Indies on the tour to Pakistan and the following ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe next month. The 15-member squad announced by Cricket West Indies on Tuesday (October 26) also sees the return of wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle who missed the home series against Pakistan and South Africa due to injury.



Having returned to the setup recently, Campbelle scored a 107-ball century in a recent practice match, proving her fitness and form to the selectors.



“The upcoming Pakistan series and World Cup qualifiers are crucial as the team works towards participation in the Cricket World Cup in 2022," Ann Browne-John, West Indies lead selector said. "It is important to note that Shemaine Campbelle is once again fit and available after being away through injury. She is one of the senior players and has shown herself to be one of the premier wicket-keepers in the world.”



The return of skipper Taylor, who missed the T20I series against South Africa having been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive case in Jamaica and then pulled out of the subsequent ODI series, will strengthen the both West Indies' batting and bowling. The 30-year-old enjoyed a successful stint in The Hundred competition for Southern Brave, scoring 182 runs at an average of 45.50, helping her side into the final.



ALSO READ: Pakistan to play three ODIs against West Indies at home; Javeria Khan to lead the squad



Meanwhile, right-hand opening batter Rashada Williams, who had made a good account of herself through the" rel="noopener noreferrer"> ODI series against South Africa has kept her place in the side. In three ODIs, Williams scored 157 runs - the most for West Indies - including a career-best 78 not out in the final ODI that helped the hosts to their only victory of the series.



Left-arm spinner Qiana Joseph has also retained her position. She took five wickets in the ODI series against South Africa, showing the ability, not just to break partnerships, but also shut down the scoring; her series economy rate of 3.38, evidence enough of that.



"The squad has a mix of senior and developing players and particular mention must be made of two young players, Qiana Joseph and Rashada Williams, who had very encouraging series against South Africa and hopefully they will go from strength to strength,” Browne-John added.



West Indies' pace contingent has a familiar feel to it with veterans Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell and Deandra Dottin to be joined by Aaliyah Alleyne and Chinelle Henry. Taylor's return sees the reuniting of the off-spin trio also consisting of Anisa Mohammed and Hayley Matthews.



ALSO READ: So near, yet so far - the World Cup dream of Karishma Ramharack



The 15-member squad will be joined by three reserves, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi and Karishma Ramharack, who will also make the trip to Pakistan and Zimbabwe.



Taylor and co. are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Monday (November 1) and will play three ODIs in Karachi between November 8 and 14. They will then travel directly for the global qualifiers in Zimbabwe that are scheduled to begin on November 21.



Squad: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams



Travelling Reserves: Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Karishma Ramharack



Subscribe