After all the injuries, Shanel Daley is fit to return to WI squad for Women's WC

With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup approaching in June, all countries are announcing their squads. On Monday, it was the West Indies cricket board that announced the squad for the prestigious tournament. Four uncapped players have been named in the Stefanie Taylor-led 15-member squad.

While Shanel Daley will make a comeback after fighting an injury, having last played international cricket back in 2014 against Australia, all-rounder Shaquana Quintyne missed out for failing to stabilise herself after suffering from a lower abdominal strain.

The chairman of WICB panel didn’t doubt Shanel’s ability, saying even though she had been troubled by injuries in the last few years, all those issues have been monitored well before selecting her.

“Shanel’s ability as a player has never been in question,” said Courtney Browne, the chairman of the WICB selection panel. “She, however, had some injury issues over the last few years. Those issues are now under control and our medical personnel, as well as Oba Gulston, the physiotherapist for the women’s team, will continue to monitor and manage her.”

Among the 4 uncapped players to be drafted in the squad are 16-year old quick Quiana Joseph from St. Lucia, 19-year old wicketkeeper Reniee Boyce from Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), Akeira Peters, 23-year-old left-handed all-rounder from Grenada and Felicia Walters, and part-time spin bowler and opening batter, a 25-year-old Felicia Walters from T&T.

“The panel felt that we have enough experience in the side and that all four players bring a specific skill-set to the team,” he said. “It should also be noted that all four players are products of our last training camp for emerging women’s players held last year. We also feel at this time that these players, although not as experienced, have shown improvement and can add value to our squad.”

When the last edition of the Women’s World Cup was played in 2013, West Indies finished with their personal best as runners-up, losing to Australia in the finals. The skipper had scored 309 runs in the tournament to take the side to the finals.

West Indies Squad: 

Stafanie Taylor (C), Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Quiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, Felicia Walters