Are the West Indies too dependent on their new captain?

The West Indies lost the first of three One Day Internationals against England, which began on December 4th at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium North Sound in Antigua. The West Indies and England are vying for substantial points in the ICC Women’s Championship table, which serves as a qualification road for the 2025 World Cup, which will be held in India. The West Indies lost the one-day international series against the White Ferns 2-1 at home earlier this year, while England was also whitewashed by India. As a result, there is a lot at risk in this series.

England beat the West Indies by 142 runs, thanks to half-centuries from Nat Sciver and Danni Wyatt, as well as a four-for from offspinner Charlie Dean. After being put in to bat, England amassed 307 for 7 and swept out the hosts for 165 in 40.3 overs. West Indies’ pursuit was hampered early on when Kate Cross broke the opening stand in the third over and Hayley Matthews retired hurt with the score on 21. The only significant partnership for the hosts was a 63-run stand between Kycia Knight and Rashada Williams, which ended when Williams was run-out by Sciver for 34 in the 20th over.

Read more: All you need to know about the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Only Matthews has scored more than 30 runs per game for the West Indies this year. The women in maroon will be missing two of their top three run scorers against England (Dottin has retired while Taylor is injured), putting further pressure on Matthews. Having said that, she expects Shemaine Campbelle and Chedean Nation to rise to the situation. Both of these batters were critical in the World Cup victory against England earlier this year. Campbelle was named player of the match for her 66 off 80 balls, while Nation assisted her with 49 off 74. Their 123-run partnership enabled them to a respectable 225/6. They won by 7 runs.