Women’s team heading in the right direction – Walsh
Published:Wednesday | February 23, 2022 | 4:55 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
WEST INDIES women’s head coach Courtney Walsh says the side is heading in the right direction as they get ready to battle in the ICC Women’s World Cup which bowls off early next month in New Zealand.
Walsh believes the regional side is well balanced and ready to put in a good showing, with the 15 members recently selected along with three reserve players.
Captain Stafanie Taylor is among a number of the players who have the experience of multiple World Cups and Walsh feels the mixture of experience and youth will serve the team well heading into their opening encounter against New Zealand on March 4.
“The 18 players we have here are the best balanced 18 we could have taken. In case there are injuries and stuff like that, we have the adequate backup and everyone is now working together to ensure we give a good account of ourselves,” said Walsh.
Walsh is also hoping that the international experience from playing against Pakistan and most recently, South Africa, will boost the team’s morale and give them confidence as they look set to take on teams such as England, India, Australia and Bangladesh.
PLEASED WITH PERFORMANCES
“It was good seeing some of the girls play really competitive cricket. The confidence that the ladies would have gotten from some of their performances is vital coming into a World Cup, so it was very pleasing to me as a coach. Also, we had a chance to have a closer look at players, how they performed under pressure and in various roles that we assigned them.”
Despite losing the ODI series to South Africa before their departure to New Zealand, Walsh is confident that girls will find the winning formula.
“I won’t say that the team is peaking, but we are heading in the right direction. I think things are coming together nicely and if we can stay consistent, then I will be happy with that. My only concern is consistency and once we can remain consistent, we will do well,” added Walsh.
The West Indies women will get their first taste of action in New Zealand on Sunday when they play Australia in their first practice match at Lincoln Green. The regional women will play their final practice game against India on March 1 at the Rangiora Oval.