West Indies will be without Stafanie Taylor for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa after the senior batter jarred her right shoulder during the final ODI in Barbados. Cricket West Indies confirmed the injury on Thursday and have named Antiguan quick Shawnisha Hector as cover.
Taylor, 33, did not bat in the decider at Kensington Oval, the hosts slipping to 121 all out in a DLS-adjusted chase of 288. South Africa took the series 2-1; Taylor had earlier contributed an unbeaten 30 and 17.
Hector’s call-up is noteworthy. She became the first Antiguan to represent West Indies women when she debuted in 2019, yet she is still awaiting a T20I cap. The 26-year-old adds pace to a squad otherwise unchanged from the ODIs. Chinelle Henry, who came in for Cherry Ann-Fraser during that campaign, retains her spot.
The series opens on 20 June at the 3Ws Oval, with the remaining fixtures on 22 and 24 June at the same ground. All matches are day–night affairs.
West Indies T20I squad
Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack.
Taylor’s absence removes 119 T20I caps and a calm middle-order presence, but Matthews’ in-form all-round talents and a clutch of emerging seamers offer balance. South Africa, meanwhile, will sense an opportunity to extend the momentum gained from the ODIs.
