With the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup just months away, cricket boards around the world are ramping up their preparations, and the West Indies Cricket Board is no exception.
In a bold move to ensure their team is battle-ready, they’ve announced their U19 squad for a crucial tour to the United Kingdom. This tour is a key element in their lead-up to the ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, as the West Indies will face tough competition, grouped alongside defending champions India, Sri Lanka, and the host nation Malaysia. The 41-match tournament, featuring 16 teams, kicks off on January 18, 2025, and will culminate in a thrilling final on February 2.
The West Indies U19 team recently engaged in a thrilling five-match T20 series against the United States of America from July 20th to 27th. The series ended in a deadlock, with both teams claiming two victories each, while one match had no result. Among the standout performers, Selena Ross and Jahzara Claxton emerged as the bowling stars, each claiming five key wickets. Meanwhile, Asabi Callender dazzled with the bat, scoring 89 runs across four innings, and Naijanni Cumberbatch displayed her all-round prowess with 79 runs and two crucial wickets.
The West Indies U19 women’s team is now set to embark on a high-stakes tour, packed with challenging matches against international opponents. Their journey includes participation in an ECB development tournament where they’ll go head-to-head with teams from Ireland and Scotland, securing three T20 games in the process. Additionally, they will take on the ECB Southern Under 19 Women’s Regional Team in three more fixtures, featuring two intense days of T20 doubleheaders followed by a 30-over showdown on the final day.
Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, voiced his optimism and ambition, stating, “This tour is a vital stepping stone in our preparation for the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup. Facing strong international teams will test our players and allow us to refine our strategies ahead of the global tournament.”
The West Indies U19 Women’s Squad for the tour is a blend of emerging talent and leadership:
Erin Deane (Co-Captain), Asabi Callender (Co-Captain), Brianna Harricharan, Danellie Manns, Dicoreya Collymore, Aaliyah Weekes, Kristen Sutherland, Selena Ross, Theanny Herbert-Mayers, Trisha Hardat, Abigail Bryce, Amrita Ramtahal, Aneisha Miller, Elecia Bowman, Kenika Cassar
As the team shifts its focus to the UK tour, some noticeable changes have been made to the squad. Missing from the roster are Samara Ramnath, Naijanni Cumberbatch, and Jahzara Claxton, key players who contributed significantly in the USA series.
Notably, Ramnath captained the side against the USA, but was left out of the squad for the tour of the UK. In their place, new talents have been introduced—Erin Deane, Aaliyah Weekes, Theanny Herbert-Mayers, Aneisha Miller, and Elecia Bowman—infusing fresh energy and potential into the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The squad touched down in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2024, ready to begin their journey toward World Cup glory.