West Indies women’s cricket team has dealt a significant blow ahead of their final ODI against England, with captain Hayley Matthews ruled out due to a left shoulder injury. The injury, which first occurred during a fielding mishap in the opening ODI at Derby, has continued to trouble Matthews, forcing her to miss the second match in Leicester and now the decisive third fixture in Taunton.
Following the initial setback, the West Indies’ medical staff opted for a cautious approach in Leicester to prevent worsening the damage. But with the issue persisting, Matthews traveled to London to consult a specialist, while the remainder of the squad proceeded to Somerset for the concluding clash on Saturday, 7 June at the County Ground in Taunton.
This decision to rest Matthews not only emphasizes her long-term well-being but also reflects the team’s strategic planning, as they prepare to host South Africa from 11 to 23 June in a critical home series featuring both ODIs and T20Is at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados. Ensuring their star all-rounder’s full recovery ahead of that phase is being prioritized.
In her absence, vice-captain and wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle will continue to lead the side, having stepped into the captaincy role during the second ODI. The team is determined to bounce back and conclude the England series on a strong note, despite the absence of their inspirational leader.
West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz addressed the situation with a tone of both concern and optimism. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Matthews’ absence; while also emphasizing the opportunity it presents for other players, “It’s unfortunate Hayley’s picked up an injury and she won’t be available for the last ODI here in England. She’s played a lot of cricket over the past few years and obviously injuries are part of being an elite level athlete in all sports.”
He continued by reflecting on the void Matthews leaves and the rising talents ready to fill it, “We will miss her greatly on and off the field, but there’s a great opportunity for other players to step up as Realeanna Grimmond did in the second ODI. She stepped up in Hayley’s role and played a great innings so it’s a great opportunity for other players to be able to fill the void that Hayley leaves with bat and ball and leadership on the field.”
Deitz concluded with a note on Matthews’ long-term future, “The medical team are looking at options now for what’s best for her long-term future to get her body 100 per cent right and continue her fantastic career.”
Matthews’ injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for West Indies, who have already surrendered the series after two dominant performances by England. Her absence in the second ODI at Leicester was particularly felt as the team slumped to a crushing 143-run defeat. Her leadership, match sense, and calm demeanor are irreplaceable for a team that is still building its core.
More than just a tactical loss, Matthews’ absence strikes an emotional chord. Her ability to turn games with either bat or ball, and her influence in the dressing room, have been integral to the Caribbean side’s evolution. The loss of that presence in high stakes match only adds to the uphill battle the team faces in Taunton.
Before the shoulder injury curtailed her ODI involvement, Matthews had been in blistering form during the T20I leg of the England tour. She racked up 177 runs at an astounding strike rate of 137.20, averaging a jaw-dropping 88.50 across the three-match series. She also chipped in with three wickets, showcasing her dual-threat capabilities. Her exploits didn’t go unnoticed—Matthews was crowned Player of the Series and picked up two Player of the Match awards along the way.
In the first ODI, even as West Indies faltered, Matthews made her presence felt with 48 runs and two wickets—another reminder of her match-winning versatility. It was a typically dynamic start that hinted at what might have been a stellar ODI series for her.
Hayley Matthews’ individual brilliance is more than just a phase—it’s the foundation of her team. Across 96 ODIs, she has amassed 2970 runs, with a highest score of 141. With the ball, she has taken 121 wickets—evidence of her status as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket.
Her T20I career paints an equally commanding picture. In 109 matches, Matthews has piled up 2828 runs with a top score of 132. Her 111 wickets in the shortest format only deepen her legacy as a complete cricketer who thrives in pressure situations.
Matthews’ recent nomination for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2025 is yet another testament to her meteoric rise and sustained excellence. It adds prestige to a career that continues to inspire a generation of cricketers in the Caribbean and beyond.
While the West Indies will be missing their anchor in Taunton, the larger narrative remains hopeful. If history is anything to go by, Hayley Matthews will return from this setback not just fully recovered, but ready to scale new heights and continue her reign as one of the sport’s most dynamic and influential forces.
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