West Indies announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday, August 29. The star all-rounder Deandra Dottin made her sensational return to international cricket in a significant boost for the Caribbean side.
The 33-year-old Dottin shocked the cricket world with her unexpected retirement from international cricket in 2022. She reversed her decision to return to action last month and has been selected in the West Indies squad for the Women's World Cup in the UAE starting on October 3.
Meanwhile, the West Indies also included uncapped all-rounder Nerissa Crafton in their 15-member squad. The experienced wicketkeeper batter Rashada Williams was the only notable absence from the Caribbean team for the World Cup.
"We have a nice mix of experience and youth," the CWI president Kishore Shallow said. "We have some players bordering [on] 19; I think Zaida is still probably a teenager and one or two of the young players there. So, really happy with the mix.
"Also, I think, we all as West Indians are excited to see Deandra Dottin back. It has been a year of communication - back and forth - with Deandra, and I particularly want to recognise the involvement of Ann Browne-John who has led those conversations over the last year, even when she wasn't officially the selector. She was integral in Deandra coming out of retirement."
West Indies squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024
Hayley Matthews (c), Shermaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Qiana Joseph, Shamila Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James.
West Indies women are drawn against South Africa, England, Bangladesh and Scotland in Group B. They will begin their campaign against the 2023 runners-up South Africa at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 4.