West Indies have opted for stability, retaining the same 15-strong squad that toured Sri Lanka for the three home T20Is against Australia in Kingstown later this month.
Captain Hayley Matthews again heads a group blending seasoned names – Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin – with teenagers Eboni Brathwaite and Jahzara Claxton. After a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka, the coaching staff resisted sweeping changes, preferring continuity before June’s T20 World Cup in England.
Head coach Shane Deitz welcomed the chance to measure progress against the world’s top-ranked outfit. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to play the number one ranked ODI and T20 team in the world,” Deitz said. “It’s just before the World Cup, so it’s a great opportunity to see where we are in our preparation. Playing against the best team in the world, we can see where our deficiencies are and where things are working well as we look forward to the tournament in June in England.”
Australia arrive for their first women’s tour of the Caribbean since late 2023 and will play all three T20Is at Arnos Vale on 19, 21 and 23 March. Warner Park, St Kitts and Nevis, then stages a three-match ODI series. An intended Test has been shelved, with Cricket West Indies prioritising white-ball cricket in a crowded year.
The home side’s recent results have been mixed. Defeat in Sri Lanka exposed lapses at the death with both bat and ball, yet Matthews’ team did show sharper running between the wickets and more consistent power-play bowling – small gains they hope to extend. Deitz remains upbeat. “It’s going to be a very tough series, but the players are up for the challenge. We haven’t played them in a competitive match since October 2023, so it’ll be good to see the progression of the team since that last meeting, namely in how much we’ve improved in certain areas and where we still need to improve moving forward. Our players are ready to show their skills and demonstrate the talent in this West Indies group. It’s going to be a fantastic tour and entertaining for everyone.”
For Matthews, personal form has rarely been higher. She struck 233 runs at a strike-rate above 140 on the Asian leg and continues to contribute overs of off-spin in the power play – a tactic likely to be tested against Australia’s left-handers. Veteran all-rounder Dottin, now 35, keeps her place despite modest returns, the selectors valuing her experience in front of home crowds.
Squad in full: Hayley Matthews (capt), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.
Match timings and broadcast details are expected to be confirmed in the next few days, with tickets already on sale locally.
