Hayley Matthews faces uncertainty for West Indies’ tour finale in England, troubled by a shoulder injury sustained in the opening ODI at Derby. Unable to play in the Leicester match, she will consult a specialist in London on Thursday. “She’s going to London tomorrow morning, so we’ll know more then,” remarked Shane Deitz, head coach of West Indies Women’s team, after their substantial 143-run defeat in Leicester. “Hopefully, we’ll get some good news tomorrow.”
England aims to complete a tour whitewash in Saturday’s final ODI at Taunton, following their series win: 108-run in the initial ODI and a 3-0 sweep in the T20Is. Despite West Indies not claiming a match in the T20 series, Matthews shone as player of the series, amassing 177 runs at an average of 88.50, with a strike rate of 137.20, including a commanding century in the opener.
In Derby, Matthews partnered with Qiana Joseph to put together a 91-run stand, contributing to Joseph’s well-earned 62. Joseph was absent in the second ODI due to illness, yet Deitz is optimistic about her return in Taunton. “She got on the team bus and looked terrible, so we sent her back to bed,” Deitz shared. “She played really good the other day. Fingers crossed, I’m pretty sure she’ll be right for the next game.”
Realeanna Grimmond, a promising 20-year-old allrounder, impressed on her ODI debut, scoring a notable 53 from 72 balls, leading her side while stepping in for regular openers. “She’s an up-and-coming talent and I’m really proud of her,” praised Deitz. “She’s proved she belongs among the best. Now it’s about maintaining her work ethic and advancing her game. She’s set for a long, successful career if she makes the right choices.”
Jannillea Glasgow captured attention with an aggressive 44 off 24 balls in her fifth ODI match. Despite these spirited performances from West Indies’ younger players, they couldn’t outshine a formidable 202-run partnership between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, both delivering consecutive centuries.
Jones, who initially notched her maiden international century in Derby with 122, surpassed it with a brilliant 129 off 98 balls. Beaumont offered solid support with a 106-run knock, following her earlier century of 107, all while fighting a severe cold. Of her teammate’s performance, Beaumont, who shares the crease with Jones at The Blaze, said, “I’m so proud of her backing up that first century at Derby, to do it again today and in even better style… For her to actually take that lead role there and look after me.”
