West Indies Women’s Squad Announced for England Tour

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-member squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of England, scheduled from May 21st to June 8th, 2025. The tour comprises three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), marking an important opportunity for the West Indies women’s team to reassert themselves on the international stage following their participation in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan. The matches will be hosted at various grounds across England including Canterbury, Hove, Chelmsford, Derby, Leicester, and Taunton.

Captained by Hayley Matthews and vice-captained by Shemaine Campbelle, the squad blends seasoned players with emerging talent. This combination of experience and youthful energy underscores CWI’s commitment to strengthening the women’s program and building a competitive unit. The squad has undergone two changes since the World Cup Qualifiers. Guyanese all-rounder Realeanna Grimmond and Kittitian fast bowler Jahzara Claxton have been brought in, replacing Jamaican wicketkeeper/batter Rashada Williams and all-rounder Chinelle Henry, respectively. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of squad selection and the continuous search for the optimal combination of skills and experience.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, has expressed confidence in the team’s potential to showcase the talent and resilience that characterize West Indies cricket. The ongoing T20 Blaze competition in the Caribbean has provided valuable match practice and skill development opportunities for the players, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of international cricket. This domestic competition serves as a crucial platform for players to hone their skills and demonstrate their readiness for the higher level of competition.

Head Coach Shane Deitz sees the England tour as a critical benchmark for the team. He emphasizes the importance of translating off-field discussions and planning into on-field performance against a top-tier team like England. Deitz highlights the team’s recent success in T20Is and hopes to carry that momentum into the start of the tour. He advocates for an aggressive, “West Indian way” style of play, aiming to create a spectacle for fans both in England and those watching from the Caribbean.

Deitz further underscores the significance of the tour as a platform for the West Indies women to re-establish themselves as a world-class team. He stresses the hard work the players have put in since the Pakistan qualifiers, including their participation in the T20 Blaze competition. Deitz believes the tour represents a chance for the team to deliver a strong performance and provide their supporters with a reason to celebrate. The focus is on transitioning from domestic cricket to the international arena and demonstrating the team’s capabilities on the global stage.

The selected squad features a promising blend of experience and emerging talent, including established players like Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, and Afy Fletcher alongside rising stars like Aaliyah Alleyne, Shabika Gajnabi, and Cherry Ann Fraser. The squad also features newcomers Realeanna Grimmond and Jahzara Claxton who will look to make their mark on the team’s performance, and potentially cement their spot long-term at international level. The comprehensive support staff accompanying the team, including coaches Shane Deitz, Ryan Austin, and Damien Wright, along with a performance coach, physiotherapist, and analyst, underscores the commitment to providing the players with the resources they need to succeed. This support network plays a vital role in preparing the players both physically and mentally for the demands of international competition.