Stefanie Taylor selected for T20 World Series, participation subject to fitness test

Stephanie Taylor has been picked in the Windies squad for the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Series in South Africa but her participation in the showpiece event is subject to her clearing a fitness test. Taylor has been out of action due to back injury and will continue her treatment in Cape Town. Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation are among the other players named in the 15-member squad who are also battling injuries. 

Squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Shemaine Campbelle (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams

Taylor, who led WI to glory in the 2016 World T20 Series, suffered an injury while batting in an ODI against New Zealand in September. Following that, she missed the entire home series against England, which the visitors won without much fuss, predominantly due to shoddy batting display. She was named in the squad for the ongoing tri series in South Africa but wasn’t fit enough to compete. Incidentally, she hasn’t represented WI in a T20I since July 2021. 

"For now it's just about the physio and medical people and the coaches managing the load with Stafanie," captain Hayley Matthews said of Taylor last week. "The T20 World Cup is the main picture for us here in South Africa and we want to try and manage her as best as possible and have her fit and ready for the World Cup."

West Indies have also included three members of their recent Under 19 World Series squad for the marquee event - Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder. The three were called up as injury backup and competed in West Indies’ final league fixture against India in the tri series. 

"We continue the developmental pathway to grow women's cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under-19 Rising Stars in the squad," selector Ann Browne-John said. "Zaida brings both left-hand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent times. Djenaba is a batting allrounder and Trishan a powerful striker and wicketkeeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level."

West Indies are drawn alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland for the T20 World Series. They will commence their hunt for a second title on February 11 against England in Paarl.