Former West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira has announced her retirement from international cricket after an 11-year career for the national team. Aguilleira has been an accomplished wicket-keeper batter and a crucial figure in West Indian cricket for over a decade. She made her ODI debut in 2008 against Netherlands and went on to don national team’s jersey in 180 more international games.
She captained the team in two ICC Cricket World Cups including during West Indies’ run to the 2013 final. She also led West Indies to three consecutive World T20 semi-final appearances in 2010, 2012 and 2014. One of the most memorable moments of her cricketing career came in 2016 where she was part of the West Indies side that secured the World T20 crown in India.
As a wicket-keeper, she did 177 dismissals in the women’s international game which is bettered only by South Africa’s Trisha Chetty and England’s Sarah Taylor. Her retirement comes after she was left out of the squad for a tour of England.
Expressing her gratitude she said, “I wish to thank all members of the team with which I worked and that worked with me to secure success in our endeavors to bring pleasure, pride, happiness and inspiration to West Indian people everywhere.” “It is an absolute honor to have been of service to West Indies Cricket. My continued goal is to assist CWI to build and develop women’s cricket and help others like me to achieve their dreams.”
The Director of Cricket at Cricket West Indies, Jimmy Adams, was full of praise for Aguilleira and said: “Her dignity and candor in communicating this decision has been exceptional. The highest of accolades are due to her for a career spanning more than 10 years and which included over 100 ODIs. Far exceeding the statistics, Merissa has been the epitome of professionalism throughout her career whilst consistently upholding the highest possible standards on and off the field.”
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.
