Captain Stafanie Taylor believes that consistency is key as the West Indies Women hunt their maiden 50-over World Cup title when the tournament kicks off next week in New Zealand on March 4. Speaking at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Captain’s Media Conference on Thursday, Taylor noted that the format hasn’t always been the best for the team, but they were trying to be consistent and looking to improve with every game. “We are making strides and for us, it’s more about improving every time and getting better at that. So…not to look too far ahead but try to take each game, step by step” she stated.
Taylor admits that the restrictions of the pandemic have not been easy, noting that although it was nice going to England, the bubble situations were not ideal, but the team had some really good series thereafter such as against Pakistan and were able to further their preparation for the World Cup with their recent tour of South Africa. She believes the team is in a good place for their opening match and credits the coaching staff for getting them to a good space. “Some of the things that we learned we didn’t know from before and we had to learn those things probably in Kiddy Cricket. I think what they imparted on us has been really good.” She noted that the team is enjoying working with the coaching staff that is both encouraging and instilling positivity in the team members, which is what the team wants, and it has been reflected in the performance of some of the players such as Deandra Dottin.
Taylor stressed that getting a good start up front is important to any team and expressed satisfaction with the senior players batting at the top of the order in the last 6 to 8 months, especially the recent form of Deandra Dottin. “We are very pleased with Deandra’s form. It has been really good taking it back from the Caribbean, in Pakistan, and in South Africa. She did really well in those series, and we hope that the form continues here.”
With the West Indies’ best performance having been in 2013 as runners-up to Australia, the selectors have chosen a mix of youth and experience to attempt to go one step further and capture the elusive title. Vice-captain Anisa Mohammed who is one wicket away from 300 international wickets across all formats, forms the backbone of the team along with in-form Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin and fast bowler Shamilia Connell. The return of leg-spinner Afy Fletcher also strengthens the core after her comeback from maternity leave. In addition, five youngsters have earned their maiden World Cup call-up. Taylor is hoping that the experience in the squad will help the youngsters be to develop in the team. “Most players here are pretty experienced. The youngsters just need to take whatever advice from the experienced players, and we are here to always support the youngsters. A lot of the team is getting older, and it would be nice to integrate the youngsters so that they could also gain experience and hopefully for them it’s more like a learning curve for them to get better.”
The skipper admitted that the team has not specifically stressed on success in terms of the ‘need to be successful in this World Cup’ but rather have adopted the approach of focussing on their game, playing hard cricket and getting better. “We know what we need to do, and we have to go out and do the best we can.”
When quizzed on who she felt was the toughest team to beat and who might be the tournament favourites, Taylor believed that all the teams would be tough as there were teams they hadn’t played in a while and therefore the West Indies would not be underestimating any of them.
On playing the host nation in the tournament opener, Taylor said, “We are pretty excited about that and probably wouldn’t want to play the hosts first game, but we have to go out and play to the best of our ability. We could see New Zealand doing pretty well and we are hoping to get one over them”
WEST INDIES WOMEN’S SQUAD
Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams
TRAVELLING RESERVES
Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru, Jannillea Glasgow
