Dubai 28 August : West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews believes that the sudden world-wide retirement of big-hitting all-rounder Deandra Dottin at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games has created an opportunity for a young player to rise up and be a part in the team.Deandra announced her decision to retire from international cricket with West Indies while on national duty with Barbados during the women’s T20 competition during the Commonwealth Games 2022, where her team was not able to participate in medal matches.
“It’s very difficult to start as a captain and not have one of your top players.But at the same it gives a chance for one of the girls who are coming through the process, having the chance to earn an opportunity to be in the team.” explained Hayley in the latest episode of the ICC’s 100 percent Cricket podcast.
Hayley confessed that she had conversations with Deandra about her retirement plans but the timing of the announcement still shocked her.”Deandra and I had conversations before the announcement, where she might had mentioned the possibility.Perhaps the timing of that particular event was somewhat of an unexpected shock.However, at the same I believe it was something Deandra was prepared for.I’m with her 100 100.”
Hayley was then able to praise “game-changer” Deandra for her contribution to West Indies cricket.”I am extremely grateful to Deandra for all that she has done to improve West Indies cricket.A game-changer, not just for the West Indies but in the world for the way she performed and the way she performed in the field.The entire cricket world is thankful to Deandra for all the good work she has accomplished.”
When asked about her approach to leadership and the experience of the captaincy of Barbados in the Commonwealth Games 2022, Hayley explained, “It was a really great experience.First of all the support I received from the entire team was fantastic and is a great thing , especially early in your time as a captain.I’ve definitely learned a lot from the Commonwealth Games.”
“I always recommend having as much fun as possible.I’m sure I’m taking it serious however, as West Indians, when we do get out and have fun, we have the best cricket.Therefore, I’d like to inspire the girls out on the field every time to be happy in what they’re doing.”
West Indies reached the semifinals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, losing to eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals, and playing a major role in many thrilling games in the competition.
With the women’s T20 World Cup happening next year in South Africa, Hayley believes that West Indies can only improve by playing an uncompromising style of cricket.
“When you look around the globe and see the top teams in the world in a fearless manner, they’re really courageous.This is because they are aware that they have the support of the entire world behind them.I’m just thinking that it’s a situation where, as an West Indian team, we must be out there and play with a ferocious style of cricket.”
Hayley left the stage by acknowledging that even though the team may be faced with some losses in creating a more frenzied strategy, it shouldn’t be a reason for the team to stay committed to a ferocious game strategy.
“(We must) really be sure to back ourselves, really work hard, and it could end up being a case that we lose certain games.Perhaps more than we’d like to, but the thing is that if we get out there and put in our best effort and play with a sense of humour I believe it’s going be an opportunity that’s going win us many more games, too.”
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