West Indies pick Stafanie Taylor for T20 World Cup, subject to fitness test

West Indies have named Stafanie Taylor in their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa but the former skipper’s participation is subject to her clearing a fitness test. 

Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation, who have all been named in the squad, are also recovering from injuries.

Taylor suffered a back injury while batting in an ODI against New Zealand in September and hasn’t played any competitive cricket since then.

The all-rounder, who led West Indies to the T20 World Cup title in 2016, has not featured in a T20I since July 2021. She was part of the squad for the ongoing tri-series in South Africa but didn’t play a single game.

"For now it's just about the physio and medical people and the coaches managing the load with Stafanie. The T20 World Cup is the main picture for us here in South Africa and we want to try and manage her as best as possible and have her fit and ready for the World Cup,” said skipper Hayley Matthews last week.

Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph, who recently featured in the inaugural Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, are also part of the squad. “We continue the developmental pathway to grow women's cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under-19 Rising Stars in the squad," selector Ann Browne-John said. 

"Zaida brings both left-hand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent times. Djenaba is a batting allrounder and Trishan a powerful striker and wicketkeeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level."

West Indies will start their T20 World Cup campaign against England in Paarl on February 11. They also have India, Pakistan and Ireland in their group. The Women in Maroon have been terrible in this format since 2022, having won only one of their last 14 encounters.