The story of any sport feels melody and dramatically interesting to its lovers. For a game like Cricket, it has meant more than a sport to many of its players.
Being a tool for colonial masters, there are many astonishing tales relating to the game. Windies have played the game to beat the forces of oppression in their own sport. During the days when one day meant 60 overs, it was the boys from the Caribbean island under majestic Lloyd that ruled the cricketing nation for around a decade and half. Present cricketing streets are different, nonetheless. In the shorter format, the Windies are still a force to reckon throughout the men’s game.
The women’s team was announced for the much anticipated T20 world cup in Australia. The tournament is scheduled between 21st February and 8th March. The announcement for the squad marks the return of Windies skipper Stefanie Taylor and veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin. They were ruled out the side due to injuries and have made their comeback to most awaited tournaments. Ann Browne, the chief selector, of the Windies women cricket team stressed that the team was looking for a striking balance between young energy and veteran faces. Lee-Ann Kirby has the most inspiring story of all players, she made her comeback into the side after 12 years.
West Indies announce their 15 Member Squad for #T20WorldCup.
Deandra Dottin set to make her first international appearance in more than a year after a long injury lay-off. pic.twitter.com/KKeEbE7yaM
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 23, 2020
Stafanie Taylor (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Lee-Ann Kirby, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman.
The team sports established faces like Hayley Mathews, Anisa Mohammed. It is interesting to note that many faces in the team are returning from injury. Dottin along with Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell are making their entries back. Aaliyah Alleyne can be handy for the team with team. Campbell can be the go-to batsman for the side. Hayley Mathews can be the top of all-rounders. Chedean Nation shall be keeping wickets for the Windies.
The squad shall face play warm-up matches against Pakistan in three matches in Brisbane ahead of the world cup. The first match for the Windies in the tournament shall feature the new Thailand on 22nd February in Perth. In 2018, the West Indies had lost their tournament to the champions Australia. The Windies shall look to repeat the famous victory of 2016 where they won the female, male and U-19 manifest of the game. The cricket in the islands are in dire need of a sporting legend. Greats of the game emerged from the Caribbean to fight for the people. The decreasing aura of Windies cricket needs a new star to rise. For a proper women’s game to flourish, cricket will need its faces to inspire.
Also Read: Top 5 West-Indian player to watch out for in Women’s T20 World Cup 2020
Here’s how the Warm-Up schedule looks like.
15th February 2020: Australia v West Indies, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) (04:00 GMT)
16 February 2020: Bangladesh v Thailand, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) (00:00 GMT)
16 February 2020: Sri Lanka v South Africa, Adelaide (Karen Rolton Oval) (00:00 GMT)
16 February 2020: India v Pakistan, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) (04:00 GMT)
16 February 2020: England v New Zealand, Adelaide (Karen Rolton Oval)(04:00 GMT)
18 February 2020: Australia v South Africa, Adelaide (Karen Rolton Oval) (00:00 GMT)
18 February 2020: India v West Indies, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) (04:00 GMT)
18 February 2020: England v Sri Lanka, Adelaide (Karen Rolton Oval)(04:00 GMT)
19 February 2020: New Zealand v Thailand, Adelaide (Karen Rolton Oval) (00:00 GMT)
20 February 2020: Bangladesh v Pakistan, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) (00:00 GMT)
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.
