West Indies name Women's World Cup squad

Stafanie Taylor has been appointed captain of West Indies' 15-member squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup, which will begin in New Zealand next month.

However, Taylor recently missed the final game of West Indies' One Day International series in South Africa after having sustained a concussion. Veteran Anisa Mohammed, who led the team in Stafanie Taylor's absence, has been appointed vice-captain for the upcoming mega event, which the experienced spinner goes into one wicket short of reaching 300 in international cricket as well.

Meanwhile, there are five players in the squad who could play their first World Cup as well - Aaliyah Alleyne, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack and Rashada Williams, while leg spinner Afy Fletcher has been added, having returned in South Africa after maternity leave as well.

West Indies have also added three traveling reserves as part of the tournament's Covid-19 protocols: Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru and Jannillea Glasgow as well.

"The squad selected shows a blend of youth and experience," selector Ann Browne-John said. "We have Anisa Mohammed who's playing in her fifth World Cup and will help guide the younger ones selected. We have five players who have had their maiden Cricket World Cup selection.”

Ann continued, "The team just completed a series against South Africa where the players got good preparation before the Tournament. There were some relatively good showings with a few players having outstanding performances and it is expected that they would raise their levels even further during the competition.

"Afy Fletcher's return strengthens the bowling department as she continues to be a world class leg spinner," Ann Browne-John concluded.

However, the team has travelled to New Zealand from South Africa and the entire West Indies have now completed their managed isolation and started their preparations for the World Cup in Christchurch as well. They will start the campaign when they play against the hosts, New Zealand, at Bay Oval on March 4.

Squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams

Travelling reserves: Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru, Jannillea Glasgow