The West Indies women’s cricket team may have to navigate the final ODI against England without their talismanic leader and premier all-rounder, Hayley Matthews. A shoulder injury sustained during the first match of the series has raised uncertainty around her availability, casting a shadow over the Caribbean side’s chances in the final fixture at Taunton.
The incident occurred in Derby, where Matthews, a livewire in the field, injured her left shoulder. Her absence in the second ODI at Leicester was sorely felt as England clinched a commanding series win. Without their skipper, the West Indies were a diminished unit—struggling to find rhythm or resistance against a dominant English outfit.
In the aftermath of the second ODI, head coach Shane Deitz shed light on the situation with cautious optimism. “She’s going to London tomorrow morning, so we’ll know more then,” said Deitz. “Hopefully we’ll get some good news tomorrow.”
Matthews’ absence in the second match was more than a tactical hole—it was a spiritual one too. Her leadership, composure, and ability to seize moments have become vital for a team in transition. The 143-run defeat underscored just how critical she is to the side’s balance and belief.
Regardless of this unfortunate injury, Matthews has continued to stamp her authority across both formats on the England tour. Her T20I numbers were nothing short of dazzling—177 runs at a blistering strike rate of 137.20, coupled with a jaw-dropping average of 88.50. She was unstoppable with the bat and impactful with the ball, scalping three wickets over the series. Despite West Indies suffering a 3-0 whitewash, her heroics stood out, earning her the Player of the Series title and two Player of the Match awards.
Her ODI campaign began just as explosively. In the series opener, Matthews hammered 48 runs and bagged two wickets, reminding the cricketing world of her multidimensional brilliance.
While Matthews remains a doubt, the West Indies camp is hopeful about the return of Qiana Joseph, who missed the second ODI due to illness. Coach Deitz offered an update that provided some relief, “I was hoping she’d be okay today (for the second match), but she got on the team bus and looked terrible, so we sent her back to bed,” Deitz explained.
“Hopefully she’ll come good in a couple of days. She played really good the other day. She’s getting better as time goes on in the team, so fingers crossed. I’m pretty sure she’ll be right for the next game.”
When you break down Hayley Matthews’ career numbers, the story they tell is that of a generational cricketer. In 96 WODIs, she has racked up 2970 runs, boasting the highest score of 141 and 7 half-centuries to her name. Her consistency and composure at the top of the order have been a cornerstone of West Indies cricket.
Her WT20I stats are equally commanding—2828 runs in 109 matches, including a top score of 132 and 17 fifties. The numbers reaffirm her standing as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket today.
Matthews’ prowess with the ball is just as impressive. In WODIs, she has bowled over 4200 deliveries, taking 121 wickets with a total of 2874 runs conceded. In the shortest format, her 111 wickets in 2015 balls showcase her ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
More than the stats, it’s the leadership, charisma, and consistency that elevate Hayley Matthews to cricketing greatness. Her recent nomination for ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2025 only adds another layer to her incredible narrative.
The West Indies may be temporarily without their champion, but if recent performances are anything to go by, Matthews will return not just recovered—but ready to conquer again.
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