ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — West Indies Women will be without one of their key players for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland Women, which bowls off today.
All-rounder Chinelle Henry has been ruled out of the tour due to injury, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced in a press release yesterday.
CWI did not disclose the nature or extent of the injury sustained by the 30-year-old.
Guyanese all-rounder Realeanna Grimmond has been named as Henry’s replacement and is the only change to the 15-member squad that competed in the tri-series against Ireland and Pakistan, as well as the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The tour marks the team’s third assignment in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, providing another opportunity to earn valuable points and build momentum on the road to automatic qualification for the next ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Head coach Shane Deitz said the three-match ODI series is crucial in the team’s quest to secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
He expects a stern challenge from the hosts, who defeated the West Indies during the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
“Ireland will be a tough opponent in their home conditions, and we need to adapt quickly and make sure we play good cricket.
“These are valuable qualification points for the next ODI World Cup. This series, along with the next few over the next six to eight months, is extremely important as we look to secure victories and ensure we remain in contention for automatic qualification,” Deitz said.
Captain Hayley Matthews said the team has taken time to reflect on its semi-final exit from the World Cup and is eager to return to international action.
“We’ve had some time to reflect on the World Cup and learn from the experience. Our focus is now firmly on what lies ahead. Everyone is excited to get back on the field, and this ODI series against Ireland presents a great opportunity to build on the positives from the World Cup,” Matthews said.
West Indies Women Squad
Hayley Matthews (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, and Stafanie Taylor.