Joseph, Dottin absent from West Indies Women’s tour of Zimbabwe

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Regulars Deandra Dottin and Qiana Joseph have been left out of the West Indies Women’s 15-member squad for next week’s tour of Zimbabwe, which will feature One-Day International and T20 International series.

The squad, which will contest three ODIs and three T20Is between September 24 and October 7, was announced by Cricket West Indies yesterday, with the 35-year-old Dottin and 25-year-old Joseph the most notable absentees.

Dottin, a veteran of 158 ODIs and 154 T20Is, has been granted personal leave, while opening batter Joseph has lost her place following a dip in form.

Joseph has played 40 T20Is and averages 16.28, while, in 31 ODIs, she has a slightly better average of 19.44.

They have been replaced by all-rounder and Under-19 World Cup prospect Eboni Brathwaite and Chinelle Henry, who returns to the squad after recovering from an injury that affected her T20 World Cup campaign.

Captain Hayley Matthews will lead the team during the ODI leg of the tour before taking personal leave and departing ahead of the T20I series.

The assignment forms part of the West Indies Women’s ongoing preparation in both formats, with the team seeking to build on the progress made during the Ireland tour and the T20 World Cup campaign.

Head coach Shane Deitz said the tour presents an ideal opportunity for the young squad.

“We are looking forward to this tour of Zimbabwe. They are a side we haven’t played much, and, in their conditions, there will be some challenges.

“We have a young squad, so this is a great opportunity for some players to step up and take their opportunity at this level,” Deitz said.

WEST INDIES WOMEN’S SQUAD

Hayley Matthews (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.