Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role in West Indies lifting the World T20 trophy in Kolkata in 2016, and now as they aim to defend the title at home, she has been named the vice-captain ahead of the tournament. The 20-year old allrounder has grown from strength to strength in recent years; exemplified by her maiden ODI hundred against South Africa two months ago.
"I am very delighted that the hierarchy of Cricket West Indies see me as a good fit for vice-captain," Matthews said after being appointed. "I think that the added responsibility will be of great benefit to my overall game. It will be an amazing feeling to play in front of home fans here in the West Indies."
The new appointee had her captain Stafanie Taylor's full support. "Hayley is young, but very confident and knowledgeable about the sport," Taylor said. "She is someone who can lead from the front, with bat and ball, and encourage her team-mates to raise their game in varying situations."
West Indies, however, suffered an injury blow, as uncapped 20-year old batsman Sheneta Grimmond was ruled out of the tournament. Qiana Joseph, who featured in two matches in the World Cup in England last year, was named Grimmond's replacement. While not picked in the initial squad for the WWT20, 17-year old Joseph was with the team at all of their recent training camps in Antigua.
"It's so unfortunate that Sheneta had to be withdrawn, as it would have been a great experience for her," Joseph said. "However, I must take this selection as a blessing and do my best to assist the team in retaining our World Women's T20 championship at home. The team will do the best to make her proud."