Veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor makes her return to West Indies squad

Veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor is all set to make her return to the West Indies team after being named in the 16-member squad on Friday for the forthcoming T20I series in South Africa. The tri-series will see the host nation taking on the West Indies and India. The tri-series will be of utter importance as it will be a dress rehearsal for the sides ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup that starts on February 10. 

Taylor, who’s making her return to international cricket, suffered an injury while batting in an ODI against New Zealand in September. The ever-dependable cricketer, thus, missed out on the home series against England. After a humiliating series defeat at the hands of the visitors, the team management made some changes and also called up middle-order batter Britney Cooper for the upcoming series.

“Our batting in the most recent series was less than par against a very good England bowling attack. We believe that with the return of some experienced batters, they will be able to support captain Hayley Matthews at the top of the order,” chief selector Ann Browne-John said after announcing the squad.

“The team had commendable performances [during the four ODIs] in South Africa in early 2022, and we know that the entire team will be drawing on that experience as they take on the home team and India in this tri-Series and then potentially again at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup also in South Africa,” she added.

The team will also welcome two experienced fast bowlers Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell in the tri-series which is scheduled to get underway from January 19. The final of the competition will be played on February 2 at Buffalo Park in East London.

Meanwhile, the West Indies are drawn in Group B in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

West Indies squad for the tri-series - Hayley Matthews (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Cherry Ann Fraser, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams