West Indies Women’s team captain Hayley Matthews believes the ongoing series against New Zealand presents a real opportunity for younger members of the squad to gain valuable experience playing against a quality team.
On Wednesday, the Kiwis took an unassailable 3-1 series lead after beating the West Indies via a tense Super Over. In the regular innings, the Caribbean team successfully chased down but could not overhaul New Zealand's score of 111.
In the Super Over, Matthews and Natasha McLean put on 15 runs but New Zealand captain Sophie Devine put on a savage display of power hitting, which ended with a last-ball six off Matthew to plunder 17-runs from the over and the series win.
With the likes of Anisa Mohammed, former captain Stafanie Taylor, and the recently retired Deandra Dottin all missing from the squad the team included several developing players and a few returning ones.
“This is very good for the girls getting the opportunity to go out there and play the highest level of cricket. To play against an experienced team like New Zealand with a lot of veterans and known campaigners,” Matthews said.
“We do have a lot of injuries but it’s a great opportunity for the girls to get out there be in the deep end, have a good go at international cricket, and hopefully learn a lot,” she added.
With Matthews only recently having taken over the captaincy from Taylor she admits the situation also presents her with a personal opportunity to develop in the role.
“The team has been supporting me really well. It’s definitely thrown me in the deep end a bit with a lot of the injuries that we have had and not having as much experience on the team but at the same time, I think it’s only going to help me to learn faster and be better as well. So, I’m just embracing the challenge.”
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