Hayley Matthews, Amanda-Jade Wellington, and Chamari Athapaththu to Lead Royals' Title Defence

The Barbados Royals are preparing for the 2024 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) with a strong squad focused on defending their championship title. Hayley Matthews and Amanda-Jade Wellington, key figures in the Royals’ successful campaign last season, lead the retained players. Scheduled from August 21 to 29, the 2024 WCPL will unfold in Trinidad, with every match scheduled at the renowned Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Matthews, known for her explosive batting and reliable off-spin bowling, has been a keystone of the Royals’ success in previous seasons. Her all-round capabilities make her a pivotal player in any format of the game.

Wellington, the Australian leg-spinner, who has been retained brings invaluable depth to the Barbados Royals with her crafty bowling skills and skill in batting down the order. Her impact was particularly felt in the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors last season, where she showcased her ability by claiming an impressive 4 wickets. With a lot of experience behind her, Wellington has featured in 133 matches in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), gathering a total of 149 wickets with her best figures standing at an impressive 5/8. Not only a threat with the ball, she has also contributed significantly with the bat, accumulating 599 runs over her WBBL career.

Laura Harris, the Australian batter, returns to strengthen the batting department alongside Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Qiana Joseph, all integral parts of the Royals’ winning formula. Their experience and skill will be instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.

Laura Harris, despite going scoreless in the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, has proven to be a pivotal player for the Barbados Royals throughout other matches. In her WBBL career spanning 111 matches, Harris has accumulated a total of 1,116 runs with a highest score of 68. Her ability to switch gears, while also anchoring, provides stability in the middle order that has been instrumental for the Royals, making her a consistent presence and a valuable asset in their quest for success in the tournament.

Also Read: Perth Scorchers add Stella Campbell to their bowling attack

Joining these seasoned stars are several familiar faces and promising new additions. Excitingly, the Royals have secured the services of Chamari Athapaththu, the dynamic Sri Lankan opener whose aggressive batting style has made her a global sensation. In her WBBL career spanning 51 matches, Athapaththu has accumulated a total of 1,063 runs with a high score of 80 runs. Not only a formidable batter, she has also proven her versatility by claiming 13 wickets. Her abilities make her a valuable addition to the team, enhancing their depth and capability as they prepare to defend their championship title in the upcoming 2024 Women’s Caribbean Premier League.

Another significant addition to the Barbados Royals is Australian wicket-keeper Georgia Redmayne, known for her secure glove work and impactful batting. Representing Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, Redmayne had an impressive campaign last season, exemplified by winning the Player of the Match award against Hobart Hurricanes for her composed innings of 70 runs off 53 balls. Throughout her WBBL career, she has accumulated a total of 2,436 runs with a highest score of 98 runs. With her reliable wicket-keeping skills and batting, she becomes a crucial asset to the Royals’ squad.

As the squad takes shape, attention now turns to the upcoming WCPL draft scheduled for July, where the Royals will finalize their roster with six more players. This draft presents an opportunity to further strengthen their squad with strategic selections ahead of the tournament. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talent, the Barbados Royals are composed to mount a strong defence of their championship crown.

Also Read: 6 time world cup winner Australian women's team eyeing their 7th title