After more than two decades away from the format, the West Indies women’s cricket team is finally set to don the whites again. The recently unveiled Future Tour Programme (2025-29) marks the long-awaited return of Test cricket for the side, with some exciting matchups on the horizon.
The team last played a Test match in 2004 against Pakistan. Now, they are gearing up to host Australia in March 2026, followed by England in April 2027. They will cap this resurgence with a tour of South Africa in December 2028.
The announcement has sparked excitement among players and fans alike. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world, couldn’t hide her joy. Speaking from Australia, where she’s representing the Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Matthews shared her enthusiasm for this historic milestone.
“Test cricket is something I’ve always dreamed of. Wearing the whites with the badge on your chest would mean a lot. Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game, so being afforded the opportunity to wear whites and put on that ‘baggy’ maroon cap is going to be a huge honour,” Matthews said.
“When I heard Test cricket was announced I was very excited. Playing Test cricket has been an ambition of mine for a very long, so to be able to get this opportunity to play a few Tests over the next few years is something I’m looking forward to,” she added.
Currently excelling in the WBBL, Matthews has been in stellar form. In a standout performance against the Adelaide Strikers, she took 2/15 with the ball and smashed an unbeaten 85 off 54 deliveries to secure a commanding victory for her team. So far this season, she has amassed 195 runs and picked up 11 wickets in just seven matches, underscoring her status as a premier all-rounder.
The return of Test cricket has not only uplifted the players but has also created a buzz among fans. Matthews emphasized the importance of this moment in building excitement for women’s cricket in the region.
“I hope it does excite the fans a lot. Women’s cricket has grown a lot in the West Indies in recent years and fans have been paying a lot of attention and focusing on our games. Hopefully, we can have a lot of success before we reach that Test, specifically the ICC Women’s World Cup next year (in India), and that would entice the fans to come out and support us even more,” she shared.
As the West Indies prepare to step into this new chapter, the journey to this point serves as a reminder of their legacy. Their last Test match, in 2004, is a distant memory, but the team is determined to make the format an integral part of their future.
This return to the longest format of the game is even more special as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of West Indies women’s Test cricket. The inaugural Test for the side took place in Jamaica in May 1976, and their only Test victory came against India. The team has played a mere 12 Tests, highlighting the rarity and importance of the format’s revival.
(Quotes sourced from Daily Express)
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