Hayley Matthews has always dreamed of parading her skills in cricket's longest format. As such, the West Indies women's captain, one of the best players in the world, expressed delight about the Caribbean side's return to playing Test match cricket as they are set to face Australia in 2026.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the announcement recently as they unveiled the Women’s Future Tour Programme. This will mark the 50th anniversary of West Indies women’s Test cricket since the first Test between the two countries was played in Jamaica in May 1976.

West Indies women's last Test match was away to Pakistan in 2004.

“Test cricket is something I’ve always dreamed of. Wearing the whites with the badge on your chest would mean a lot. Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game, so being afforded the opportunity to wear whites and put on that ‘baggy’ maroon cap is going to be a huge honour,” Matthews said in an interview with Philip Spooner, the former Head of Media at Cricket West Indies.

“When I heard Test cricket was announced, I was very excited. Playing Test cricket has been an ambition of mine for a very long time, so to be able to get this opportunity to play a few Tests over the next few years is something I’m looking forward to,” she added from her base in Australia.

Matthews is currently on another stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League. Her best outing so far was against the Adelaide Strikers when she took two for 28 from four overs and made a match-winning 85 not out off 54 balls in the big win.

She pointed out that there was great anticipation among the other players, and she hoped the fans would come out and embrace the longest format.

“There has obviously been a lot of talk over the last year or two about us playing Test cricket, seeing that so many of the other teams are also playing Test matches. Now that it is confirmed for us, we are very happy it has been locked into the schedule,” Matthew said.

“I hope it does excite the fans a lot. Women’s cricket has grown a lot in the West Indies in recent years, and fans have been paying a lot of attention and focusing on our games. Hopefully, we can have a lot of success before we reach that Test, specifically the ICC Women’s World Cup next year (in India), and that would entice the fans to come out and support us even more," she noted.

The ICC Future Tours Programme also shows the West Indies playing Tests against England in 2027 and in South Africa in 2028, which would mark the first contest between the two teams.

Sunshine Snacks, a leading regional snack brand, has announced a landmark 3-year sponsorship agreement with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). 

As part of this partnership, Sunshine Snacks will also become the designated club sponsor for Montego Bay United, a team with a storied legacy and a strong presence in Jamaican football.

This collaboration underscores Sunshine Snacks’ commitment to fostering growth and success across the Jamaica Premier League while providing critical support to Montego Bay United as they focus on rebuilding and achieving sustained success.

Shantell Hill-Afonso, Marketing Manager, Jamaica for Sunshine Snacks, shared her enthusiasm.

"We at Sunshine Snacks are thrilled to partner with the Jamaica Premier League and Montego Bay United, currently performing well in the league. Montego Bay has always been a focus for us as a brand, which made this sponsorship a perfect fit. This partnership goes beyond branding; it is about nurturing talent, impacting lives, and building stronger communities through football. With our offices located in Montego Bay, this collaboration allows us to support the team on and off the field, creating meaningful connections in the community," Hill-Afonso said.

"We’re also excited to bring Sunshine Snacks products to all Jamaica Premier League matches, creating a fun and engaging experience for fans. Football and snacks go hand in hand, and products like our Sunshine Peanuts will refuel everyone. This partnership allows us to connect with communities across Jamaica in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable," she added.

As the dust settles on Jamaica's Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal exit at the hands of the United States, Head coach Steve McClaren remains resolute in his vision for the Reggae Boyz.

While their 2-4 loss in the second leg and, by extension, the 5-2 aggregate scoreline is a bitter pill to swallow, McClaren views it as an essential part of the team's growth and a stark reminder of the work needed to elevate Jamaica's football to the next level.

The Boyz failed campaign, which has now left them to contest a preliminary round to get into next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup, was a tale of two contrasting performances, as a 0-1 loss in Kingston last Thursday left them chasing the tie heading into the away leg in St Louis, Missouri.

However, the doggedness that they displayed at the National Stadium was nonexistent at the Energizer Park on Monday, particularly in the first half, as they found themselves overwhelmed by a clinical United States team that raced to a 3-0 lead by halftime.

Christian Pulisic (13th), Di’Shon Bernard’s 33rd-minute own goal, and Ricardo Pepi (42nd) set the tone for the United States win, which was capped by Timothy Weah (56th). Demarai Gray (53rd, 68th) placed some semblance of respectability on the scoreline for the Boyz.

“We concede that they were the better team. In the first half, we were passive defensively, and we didn’t deal with the ball well. They punished us in transition, caused problems in the build-ups, and three goals made it a mountain to climb,” McClaren said in his post-match assessment.

Despite the early setback, McClaren found positives in his team’s second half response, as they scored twice in what he believes was a show of resilience and determination, though the United States’ superiority proved insurmountable.

“We could have folded at halftime, but we didn't. I told the players we had to win the second half. We changed the shape, personnel, and attitude, and we were more aggressive. That gave us opportunities, and we scored, but we were always vulnerable on the transition, and then the fourth goal was a kick in the teeth. But still, we came back. I mean, that's character, that's courage, and that's what the team has got, so we have to build on that by being tactically and technically better because that's what the USA were,” McClaren reasoned.

On that note, McClaren emphasized that the team’s struggles stem from the same principles he’s determined to instill—building from the back and maintaining composure under pressure.

“We want to build a team that can deal with the ball under pressure. That’s modern football. The principles are you have to be aggressive, you have to defend properly, and you have to be able to deal with the ball,” McClaren declared.

“That is what our strength normally is; we are aggressive, we defend well, but we need to improve in being able to deal with the ball better, build from the back better, with more composure, and have more courage, which we showed in the second half. The USA pressed aggressively, and we didn’t handle it well enough, but that’s a lesson we’ll take forward,” the Englishman added.

With their main target being the 2026 Fifa World Cup, McClaren sees the loss as part of a necessary process, as their immediate future now involves navigating the Gold Cup preliminaries, a step back from their automatic qualification ambitions. 

“This process is ongoing. Sometimes things work, and sometimes they don’t. But we learn, adapt, and move forward. I believe in this team and in our ability to achieve something special. The real test is against the top teams, and we’ve come up short,” the tactician noted.

“But these are the games where we learn the most about our weaknesses and what we need to improve. We’ve used 37 players across three camps, experimenting and identifying talent... it doesn’t bode well for consistency, but it’s vital for the bigger picture. We need players who can defend, press, and deal with the ball under pressure,” McClaren ended.

Cuba booked their spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup prelims after they turned the tables on St Kitts and Nevis in their Concacaf Nations League Play-In tie on Monday.

Needing to overturn a deficit from their 1-2 first-leg loss, Cuba did just that in commanding fashion as they blanked St Kitts and Nevis 4-0 in a lopsided return-leg encounter at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba.

After bossing possession for most of the first half, Cuba inevitably broke the deadlock when Onel Hernandez produced a decent solo run on his way to driving home a right-footer from the top of the penalty area to level the series on aggregate at that point.

But the hosts were far from done and doubled the lead on the stroke of the break as Yosel Piedra also converted from close range in the 45+3 to make it 2-0 at the break and 3-2 on aggregate.

With St Kitts and Nevis offering very little resistance on the resumption, Cuba extended their lead in the 50th courtesy of Luis Paradela’s close-range finish.

Maykel Reyes then converted an 87th-minute penalty to cap the win as Cuba continued their march towards making the cut for next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup. A win in the preliminary rounds would see them achieving that feat.

Curacao secured promotion to League A and direct qualification for next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup after they topped Group B of League B in the Concacaf Nations League action on Monday. 

The Dutch-speaking Caribbean Island bettered St Lucia 4-1 in their top-of-the-table clash at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao.

Gervane Kastaneer opened the scoring in the 27th with a tidy finish on the volley as he connected well from Jearl Margaritha’s weighted cross.

St Lucia pulled level in the 29th courtesy of Ryan Charles, who won possession at the top of the penalty area and finished at close range.

However, Kastaneer grabbed his brace to put Curacao back on top as he produced another decent close range finish to make it 2-1 at the break.

Any hopes St Lucia had of a comeback were dashed in the 73rd when Juninho Bacuna displayed nippy footwork to dismiss markers and slot home.

Bacuna then completed his brace and Curacao’s rout when he fired home in the 79th to secure their promotion to League A and, by extension, a berth in the Gold Cup.

They topped the group with 13 points, four more than St Lucia (nine points), while Grenada, who were 3-0 winners over St Martin in the other group contest, ended on seven points.

Rahim Dennis (39th) and Keelan Lebon (87th and 90+3) sealed Grenada’s win against St Martin to ensure they stay up in League B for another edition.

By virtue of that loss, St Martin, who finished last on the four-team standings on six points, have been relegated to League C for the next edition of the Nations League.

The Montego Bay Multi-Sport Development Limited is poised to invest over JMD$700 million to refurbish and expand the Montego Bay Sports Complex, should their bid be approved by the Jamaican Government. The entity is the sole bidder for the facility, which has languished in disrepair for several years.

The proposed investment, spread across three tranches, aims to transform the venue into a premier sports and events hub in the Caribbean. Speaking to the Sportsmax.TV, Chairman Yoni Epstein expressed optimism about the project’s approval.

Montego Bay Multi-Sport Development Limited has proposed a 25-year lease, starting with an annual rental fee of $6.3 million for the first 20 years. Additionally, they will take over the facility’s current operating costs, estimated at $50 million per year. For years 21 to 25, the rental model will shift to one per cent of gross revenues derived from events. The complex will also be available for non-sporting events, with plans to rent the venue for entertainment and community activities.

The proposal is currently under review by the divestment task force and will require final approval from the Ministry of Local Government. Epstein expressed hope that a decision would be made in the coming weeks.

“The government has accepted our bid, and it now goes to the divestment task force for assessment,” Epstein explained. The bid will then be sent to Local Government for approval.

The first phase of the refurbishment will prioritize upgrading the football pitch to international standards, enhancing lighting to meet the CONCACAF-approved 1,000-lumen threshold, and resurfacing the track to support major athletics events. Epstein emphasized the importance of restoring the facility to attract high-profile events.

“While I am more recently known for Montego Bay United Football Club, it's not solely about football. Our intent in the first tranche is to continue to rehabilitate the pitch. As you know, we play all of our home matches there. We want to continue to capitalize on what refurbishment they did and get that back to international levels,” Epstein revealed.

“We want to bring the Western Relays back to Montego Bay. The aim is to establish the complex as the premier facility in the Caribbean, capable of hosting events like the CARIFTA Games and international track and field meets, as well as football matches.”

Epstein also shared that their plans also include constructing a full-size football pitch and smaller 5G pitches for community use, alongside the addition of tennis courts, pickle-ball courts, and a 50-metre swimming pool to cater to aquatics. Epstein highlighted the facility’s potential to attract sports tourism, given Montego Bay’s proximity to hotels and its reputation as a tourist hub.

“There are a lot of swim meets, track meets, and football tournaments that we miss out on in Jamaica because we lack the facilities. With Montego Bay’s infrastructure and appeal, we can bring more of these events here, benefiting the local economy,” he said.

If approved, the project promises to breathe new life into the Montego Bay Sports Complex, providing a world-class facility for sports, entertainment, and community engagement.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) showcased their attacking prowess on Monday night in St. Louis, defeating Jamaica 4-2 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final. With a 1-0 victory in Kingston last Thursday, the Americans secured a comprehensive 5-2 aggregate win, eliminating the Reggae Boyz from the competition.

The home side wasted no time asserting dominance, with Christian Pulisic leading the charge. The AC Milan star opened the scoring in the 14th minute, converting a pinpoint cross from Weston McKennie. Pulisic doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, latching onto McKennie’s delivery and finishing off a well-worked team move.

Ricardo Pepi extended the advantage in the 42nd minute, turning sharply on the edge of the box before slotting home a precise shot past Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. With a commanding 3-0 halftime lead, the USMNT were firmly in control, having enjoyed 70 per cent possession and limiting Jamaica to just two attempts in the opening 45 minutes.

Jamaica found a glimmer of hope early in the second half when Demarai Gray netted his first of two goals in the 54th minute. The former Leicester City attacker capitalized on poor defending to cut the deficit to 3-1.

However, the Americans responded just two minutes later, with Timothy Weah delivering a thunderous finish off a Yunus Musah cross to restore the three-goal cushion at 4-1. Gray struck again in the 68th minute, converting a rebound from Renaldo Cephas’ initial effort, but Jamaica struggled to mount a sustained comeback as the USMNT’s depth and tactical organization shone through.

Pulisic’s brace and McKennie’s two assists underlined the dominance of the Americans, who controlled possession and consistently tested Jamaica’s defense. The midfield duo of McKennie and Yunus Musah orchestrated play beautifully, while Timothy Weah and Ricardo Pepi added further dynamism in attack.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino utilized his substitutes effectively, bringing on Cade Cowell and Brandon Vazquez to maintain the intensity late in the game. Gianluca Busio and Brenden Aaronson also entered to secure the result, allowing the Americans to cruise into the semifinals.

For Jamaica, the defeat highlighted defensive lapses and an inability to sustain possession under pressure. Demarai Gray was the standout performer, scoring both goals for the Reggae Boyz, but the team was often on the back foot, particularly in the first half when they completed just 57 passes compared to the USMNT’s 277.

Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McLaren, will need to address these shortcomings as the team shifts focus to upcoming competitions. Despite their elimination, the Reggae Boyz showed glimpses of promise, particularly through Gray and Renaldo Cephas, who forced a save that led to Gray’s second goal.

The United States advances to the semifinals of the Nations League, aiming to defend their title with confidence after another dominant display. For Jamaica, the focus now turns to regrouping and building on the positives from their campaign.

The touring Bangladesh side and the West Indies Select XI played to a draw in their two-day tour match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Monday. Rain disruptions and a dominant display by Bangladesh’s bowlers on the second day ensured the match ended without a result.

Resuming from their overnight score of 5 for 1 in response to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 253-7, the West Indies Select XI struggled to find their footing. The hosts were restricted to 87-9 in just 27.4 overs, with only Kimani Melius (23), Justin Greaves (20), and Daniel Beckford (19) reaching double figures.

Bangladesh's bowlers were relentless, led by Hasan Murad, who delivered a remarkable spell, taking three wickets for just one run. Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed chipped in with two wickets apiece, ensuring the West Indies XI could not mount a significant challenge.

On Sunday, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by contributions from Jaker Ali (48), Mahidal Islam (41), and 31 each from Litton Das and Mominul Haque. The visiting team posted a competitive 253-7 despite tight bowling from Jair McAllister and Chaim Holder, both finishing with figures of 2-48.

While the match provided valuable preparation for Bangladesh, the rain-affected nature of the contest limited opportunities for extended play. The touring side will take heart from their bowlers’ performance, while they prepare to face the West Indies senior team.

Jamaican fitness athlete Deidre Lewis continues to prove her dedication and consistency on the international stage, securing a fourth-place finish in the Bikini Fitness Professional category at the IFBB Pro competition in Cancun, Mexico, on Sunday. This latest achievement comes just two weeks after her podium finish at the IFBB Pro Mr. and Miss Argentina competition, where she claimed third place.

In Cancun, Lewis competed against a strong field, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Kimberly Percival taking the top spot. Mexico's Yissel Leon secured second place, and Julia Prado of Mexico finished third. Rounding out the top five was Mexico's Racquel Ramos, further underscoring the high level of competition in the event.

Reflecting on her performance, Lewis expressed pride in her ability to consistently place among the top competitors, highlighting the importance of her preparation and hard work.

"Sometimes the results vary based on the show that you go to. Each show goes for different looks sometimes for Bikini, but to make another top-five is a massive accomplishment. It shows consistency, dedication, and hard work. I'm elated about that," Lewis said.

She added that judges provided valuable feedback, suggesting she work on achieving a leaner physique to enhance her chances of climbing higher in the rankings.

"I’m still working on getting leaner as I enter into another week of preparation for the final round, which is in Chile this coming weekend," she shared.

A Fortnight of Achievements
Lewis’ impressive performance in Cancun follows her standout showing in Argentina, where she finished third behind Brazilian athletes Larissa Dick and Flavia Carneiro. That event saw her on the podium with some of the best athletes in the category, a testament to her growing stature in international fitness competitions.

As Lewis sets her sights on the upcoming event in Chile, her recent results highlight her consistency and determination to improve, qualities that have become the hallmarks of her career. Fans and supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely as she aims for another top finish to cap off a successful competition season.

Montego Bay United delivered an emphatic 4-0 victory over Racing United at Ferdie Neita Park on Sunday, surging back to the top of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) table. The St. James-based team showcased their attacking prowess, scoring twice in each half to secure their sixth win in nine matches.

First-half goals from Brian Brown in the 36th minute and Shaniel Thomas in the 40th gave Montego Bay a comfortable lead at the break. Despite Racing United's attempts to rally in the second half, MoBay's defense held firm, and they capitalized on late opportunities with strikes from Tyrone Harrison (90+1) and Johan Weatherley (90+4) to seal the dominant win.

The victory moved Montego Bay United to 20 points, level with Waterhouse FC, who climbed to second place with a 2-0 win over Humble Lion in Sunday’s late game. Portmore United slipped to third with 19 points, while Arnett Gardens sit fourth on 18 points following their 1-0 victory over Portmore earlier in the day.

JPL Results – Sunday

Racing United 0-4 Montego Bay United
Vere Phoenix 2-2 Tivoli Gardens
Harbour View 0-0 Cavalier
Portmore United 0-1 Arnett Gardens
Waterhouse 2-0 Humble Lion
Montego Bay United’s clinical performance not only highlighted their championship aspirations but also sent a message to their rivals as the competition for the top spots intensifies. With Waterhouse keeping pace and Portmore and Arnett close behind, the race for JPL supremacy is heating up.

Fans can expect more fireworks as the league approaches its midway point.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will be without key players Michail Antonio and Kaheim Dixon for the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against the United States at Energizer Stadium in St. Louis on Monday. Both players are unavailable due to lost passports, a situation that could not be resolved in time to secure visas for their travel to the United States, Head Coach Steve McLaren explained during Sunday’s pre-match press conference.

 Adding to the Reggae Boyz’s challenges, defender Mason Holgate will also miss the match after receiving a red card in the first leg, which Jamaica lost 1-0 in Kingston last Thursday. Despite these setbacks, Jamaica has bolstered its squad with the return of Ravel Morrison and the inclusion of Khori Bennett, a forward for the Las Vegas Lights in the USL. Bennett, a former Wolmer’s Boys standout, could make his senior debut in this must-win encounter.

 Reflecting on the first leg, McLaren expressed disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about Jamaica’s chances. “I think we were unfortunate to come away with a defeat, albeit by just one goal,” McLaren said. “We felt we did enough to draw the game. We didn’t in the end, but we are still in the tie. Away from home, we’ve been in good form recently. This will be a completely different game altogether. We know that USA on home soil is a totally different team, so we expect another very difficult game but come here with optimism and belief.”

 Jamaica’s task is clear: overturn the 1-0 deficit and advance to the semi-finals. “We know what our goal is,” McLaren continued. “We need to score two goals or more and win the game. The first goal in this game will be very important.”

 A significant storyline heading into the match is the return of Ravel Morrison, who has been absent from the national team for over a year. He last played for Jamaica in March 2023 against Mexico. McLaren, who worked with Morrison at Derby County, is confident the creative midfielder can make a difference.

 “I am always looking out for good players and players who can make a difference, handle the ball, big game players, and Ravel has always been one of them,” McLaren said. “He’s got a great personality and unbelievable talent. He wasn’t picked before because he wasn’t playing. He is now playing very well in Dubai, scoring goals and assisting. I think this is a perfect game, a perfect opportunity for Ravel to come into the squad. Whether he starts or comes on, he is one of those players who can win a game of football.”

 Jamaica dominated much of the second half in the first leg, coming close to equalizing on multiple occasions. Demarai Gray also missed a crucial penalty after the United States took an early lead. However, McLaren is drawing confidence from the team’s away form and believes the Reggae Boyz have what it takes to pull off a result in St. Louis.

 The stakes are high as Jamaica looks to defy the odds, overcome the absence of key players, and secure a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.

England Roses Defeat Sunshine Girls to Take 1-0 Lead in Horizon Series

England’s Roses secured a 1-0 series lead against Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls on Sunday with a hard-fought 55-47 victory in Manchester during the second match of the Netball Horizon Series. The result followed a thrilling 49-49 tie in the series opener on Saturday.

The match showcased the contrasting styles of the two teams, with England capitalizing on crucial turnovers and maintaining composure under pressure, while Jamaica struggled to sustain their momentum in critical moments. England started strong, leading 12-8 at the end of the first quarter. However, Jamaica responded with intensity, applying pressure all over the court to edge ahead 23-21 late in the second quarter. England regained control before halftime, thanks to unforced errors by Jamaica, to tie the score 24-24 going into the break.

The third quarter proved pivotal, as England upped their defensive intensity. The Roses forced several turnovers during Jamaica’s attempts to find Romelda Aiken-George in the circle, creating opportunities to extend their lead. Despite a spirited rally by the Sunshine Girls to close within two goals late in the quarter, England held firm to enter the final quarter with a 39-35 advantage.

Turnovers continued to plague the Sunshine Girls in the final quarter, and though they fought valiantly to narrow the gap to 42-41 with 10 minutes to play, England’s relentless pressure proved decisive. The Roses forced critical errors that disrupted Jamaica’s rhythm, pulling away in the closing stages to secure a comfortable win.

Jamaica’s head coach, Sasher-Gaye Henry, reflected on her team’s struggles in the second half, particularly during the third quarter when England took command. “I think we struggled today in the latter part of the game in terms of getting our balls through the court and getting it on top of circle’s edge,” Henry said. “I think the movement was a little stagnant. It’s something we have to look at and correct quickly going into Game 3.”

Henry also highlighted the team’s focus on rotating players to assess different combinations. “It’s about building players, and we want to see rotation,” she explained. “I think we didn’t do a lot with rotation yesterday, so today we wanted to see where the players are at, to see what combination works. We are grateful for that opportunity.”

On the substitution of Shanice Dixon, who limped off and was replaced by Rhea Dixon, Henry noted, “We are looking for more options in our goal attack. Both are options, and we still have to rotate them. I think both did well tonight.”

The Sunshine Girls will look to regroup when the series shifts to Jamaica for the final two matches at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on November 25 and December 2. With England leading the series, Jamaica will need to address their turnover issues and refine their attack if they hope to level the series and keep their hopes alive.

The Sunshine Girls, known for their resilience, will be determined to defend home court and prove their mettle against a confident England Roses team.

Rovman Powell hailed West Indies' commitment after claiming the first win of their T20 series against England on Saturday.

The hosts successfully chased their target of 219 in St Lucia to stop the rot in the five-match series, reducing the deficit to 3-1. 

West Indies won the toss and elected to field, though England did their best to make the most of the flat pitch.

Phil Salt's contribution of 55 set the tourists on their way, while captain Jos Buttler chipped in with 38, and Jacob Bethell hit an unbeaten 62 - reaching his latest half-century off just 22 balls.

England finished at 218-5, but West Indies hit the ground running in their chase as Evin Lewis (68) and Shai Hope (54) notched up 136 from the first nine overs.

However, the hosts' momentum stalled when Rehan Ahmed caught Lewis, Hope was run out and Nicholas Pooran bowled for a duck in as many balls.

Nevertheless, skipper Powell got them back on track with 38 from 23 deliveries and, though he was dismissed in the 17th over, back-to-back sixes from Sherfane Rutherford in the penultimate over sealed a five-wicket victory.

"The guys were a little bit more committed today, and the toss fell in our hands," Powell said. "It's been a series where, once you win the toss, you seem to win the game. But, the guys played well."

"It was an excellent wicket, and we got off to a great start with our openers putting them under plenty of pressure," Buttler added. "We thought we needed at least 220, and then their openers played exceptionally well, too."