World Cup struggles behind her, Hayley Matthews seeks redemption against England

Hayley Matthews believes West Indies could seek redemption for their poor performances in the 2020 T20 World Cup by putting in a good show against England later this month. The 2016 T20 World Cup champions were knocked out in the first round of the tournament, suffering losses to Pakistan and England, and only managing a single win against Thailand.



“It was a difficult World Cup. It was good that everyone got that mental break and had a look at what we weren’t doing so well,” Matthews was quoted as saying by Sports Max. “I think as a team we are going to want to come out here and redeem ourselves and be able to show that we are not the team that played that World Cup, that we are a lot better than that."



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Matthews herself struggled with form in the World Cup, managing only a total of 26 runs in three matches, including a first-ball duck against Pakistan. But after plenty of technical work through the off-season, and a week of training in England, the right-hander said she feels in good nick and is raring to return to the field.



“I was able to get back in the nets and work really hard at my game, was able to sort out some stuff that I saw going wrong technically and hopefully I am able to go out and execute those skills that I have been working on over the past couple of months."



Confined to a 'bubble' in Derby, Matthews said she is happy with the atmosphere, and thinks the lack of 'distractions' will help her focus on her game better, and in turn, positively impact her performances.



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“I think it’s been pretty comfortable. From the first day we came in we know what the protocols were. We were told and given everything we needed so it was just a matter of coming down here and getting into the training,” she said.



“(The conditions) are a bit helpful, kind of limits distractions and you get to focus on the cricket a bit more.”



The five-match T20I series will kick off in Derby on September 21. West Indies have named an 18-member squad, with young Kaysia Schultz earning a maiden call-up.