As the countdown to the ICC Women’s World Cup intensifies, England are set to lock horns with a depleted West Indies outfit in a six-match white-ball series beginning May 21. While the bilateral contest carries limited value for the Caribbean side—who failed to qualify for the global event—it represents a high-stakes proving ground for a new-look English squad.
West Indies’ squad announcement comes with a major blow as experienced campaigners Chinelle Henry and Deandra Dottin are ruled out due to injuries. Henry sustained a leg injury during the T20 Blaze tournament, while Dottin continues her recovery from a knee issue picked up during the Women’s Premier League in March. In their absence, two fresh faces—Jahzara Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond—have been drafted into the side. Claxton, a promising all-rounder from the U-19 circuit, and Grimmond, a top-order batter, now have the opportunity to make their international debuts in English conditions.
The touring side, still reeling from their narrow miss in the World Cup Qualifier event held in Pakistan, will once again be led by the indomitable Hayley Matthews. Shemaine Campbelle will serve as her deputy, while the likes of Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, and Afy Fletcher bring depth and experience to the squad. Notably, Rashada Williams misses out alongside Henry.
England, on the other hand, have ushered in a fresh era under newly appointed skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards. With the World Cup and an India tour looming large, this series could define the early contours of England’s campaign blueprint. Sciver-Brunt’s leadership debut will be closely observed, especially as she steps into the shoes of a transitional side packed with both seasoned players and ambitious newcomers.
Warwickshire’s Emily Arlott earns her maiden call-up to both squads, having impressed with a century at number seven and a tally of 13 wickets in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. She’s joined by fellow county pacer Issy Wong, who returns to the England setup following a successful stint with the A team in Australia.
The ODI setup sees the reintegration of Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb. Davidson-Richards last donned the national colors in September 2023 against Sri Lanka, while Lamb—currently the country’s top run-scorer with 12 wickets to boot—brings a compelling all-round package to the table.
Tammy Beaumont and Linsey Smith have also been named in both formats. Smith, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, continues to shine with the ball. However, England will miss the services of Sophie Ecclestone, whose knee injury has kept her out of domestic action long enough to rule her out of selection.
This will be the first series where Lydia Greenway, England’s newly appointed National Selector, collaborates with Edwards, Managing Director Clare Connor, and Performance Director Jonathan Finch on selection matters. Greenway’s influence already appears to be pivotal in shaping this refreshed England lineup.
The series kicks off with three T20Is scheduled at Canterbury (21 May), Hove (23 May), and Chelmsford (26 May), followed by three ODIs in Derby (30 May), Leicester (4 June), and Taunton (7 June).
For the West Indies, this series may not shift their World Cup prospects, but it provides a much-needed opportunity to test their bench strength amid multiple injuries. For England, it’s a litmus test—with a new captain, a new coach, and a mission to reclaim their dominance in women’s cricket.
Loves all things female cricket