West Indies Women are all set to face England Women in a three-match ODI series starting from May 30. This comes on the heels of a disappointing run in the recently concluded T20I series, where the visitors were whitewashed 3-0 by a strong and in-form English side. Led by the experienced Hayley Matthews, the team will be eager to put the previous setback behind them and look to challenge the hosts in the 50-over format. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent, let’s explore the best possible XI for the Windies Women that could take the field against England.
West Indies’ top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against England:
1. Hayley Matthews (Captain)
- Role: Batting All-rounder
- Strength: Dynamic top-order batting and off-spin
- Expectations: As captain and the team’s most consistent performer, Matthews is expected to lead from the front. With the bat, she sets the tone, and with the ball, her spin adds variety. She is also a key tactical decision-maker and motivator on the field.
2. Shemaine Campbelle (Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Middle-order Batter & Keeper
- Strength: Stability with the bat and reliable glovework
- Expectations: Campbelle provides calm in the middle order, especially in pressure situations. Behind the stumps, she plays a vital role in supporting spinners and guiding the bowling attack.
3. Stafanie Taylor
- Role: Middle-order All-rounder
- Strength: Vast experience and match-winning temperament
- Expectations: Taylor’s presence brings experience and leadership. She’s expected to anchor the innings and offer crucial overs with her off-spin. Her game awareness can swing close contests.
4. Mandy Mangru
- Role: Top-order Batter
- Strength: Solid technique and patience
- Expectations: Mangru is seen as a stabilizer in the top order. She’s expected to occupy the crease and build partnerships, especially when quick wickets fall.
5. Zaida James
- Role: Batting All-rounder
- Strength: Aggressive batting and useful spin
- Expectations: A young prospect with flair, James can accelerate during middle overs and chip in with spin when needed. She’s a game-changer on her day.
6. Aaliyah Alleyne
- Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
- Strength: Swing bowling and lower-order power
- Expectations: Alleyne brings energy to the squad. She’s expected to break partnerships and add finishing power with the bat. Her fielding adds an extra edge.
Also READ: England whitewash West Indies despite Hayley Matthews’ heroics in 3rd T20I
7. Cherry-Ann Fraser
- Role: Fast bowling all-rounder
- Strength: Skiddy pace
- Expectations: Fraser will be tasked with early breakthroughs and death overs. Her aggression and consistency are vital for maintaining pressure on England’s batters.
8. Qiana Joseph
- Role: Left-arm Medium Pacer
- Strength: Left-arm angle and variation
- Expectations: Joseph adds balance to the pace attack. She’s expected to provide key breakthroughs and bowl economically during the middle overs.
9. Realeanna Grimmond
- Role: Off-spinner
- Strength: Flight and control
- Expectations: Grimmond is expected to tie down one end with economical spells. Her ability to extract turn and deceive batters will be crucial in the middle overs.
10. Jannillea Glasgow
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Bounce and athleticism
- Expectations: Glasgow brings raw pace and bounce to the attack. She’s expected to unsettle batters, especially with the new ball, and maintain pressure during death overs.
11. Jahzara Claxton
- Role: All-rounder
- Strength: Versatility and youthful energy
- Expectations: Claxton provides a dynamic option with both bat and ball. She’s expected to support the team across departments and grow into a key contributor.
Also READ: Heather Knight to miss the remainder of international summer and The Hundred 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
