Staff Writer – Archi
Last year they reached the final of the T20 World Cup but Australia and a 28-odd runs came between the trophy and the West Indies women’s team. So this time they are back with a bigger dream and a better team. The 15-member team, captained by Merissa Aguilleira, arrived in Mumbai, India on Thursday to participate in the tenth edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup that starts on January 31 and runs until February 17.
“We came here to win, not just to participate. I have a world-class team. We are all professionals and know what needs to be done,” said skipper Merissa oozing confidence, on the sidelines of a practice session at the PJ Hindu Gymkhana in Mumbai, on Friday.
Talking of the team’s good show in T20 World Cup, the skipper said “That was T20. The 50-over format is a different ball-game. But we are more experienced now.
Captain Merissa Aguilleira. Photo courtesy www.crickettribune.com
“This is the World Cup and everybody is coming here to win. But at the end of the day it is who adjusts to the conditions quickly and who puts their head together will prevail.”
The West Indies will get an opportunity to get acclimatized with the conditions in India by playing two warm-up games on January 28 and 29 before opening their campaign against hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on January 31.
“Most of the girls are familiar with the conditions. It’s just a matter of getting to it as quickly as possible and getting acclimatized and hit the ground running from day one,” West Indies head coach Sherwin Campbell said.
Campbell, a former West Indies opener is thus looking forward to the warm-up ties. “We have two warm-up games before we start our campaign and a couple of days to get acclimatized to the weather. So I am looking forward to the competition.”
Talking about the level of competition, Merissa said: “India are in their home ground and they have the home advantage. Also, New Zealand, Australia and England are the big ones to look out for. We have to take each game at it’s merit.”
With a mix of newbies and experienced hands on his side, Campbell is also confident of their success. “It is an improving team and since the last three or four years we have seen the standard rise. The more we play the better we get. We are high on confidence having just wrapped up the series against South Africa. Also, we had a three-week camp in Barbados after the T20 World Cup. So we have been playing a lot lately.”
However, even that may not be enough according to captain Merissa if their batting standards don’t go up. “We are spending a lot of time in batting because that’s an area in which we really falter. The more we build partnerships I think it will carry us forward. We are really working hard on it. Once we focus on that area and stick together I think we will be unbeatable.”
Though confident of her entire unit, the skipper has a few names in her artillery she counts on. “Stephanie Taylor is the No. 1 all-rounder. She has been doing well for the team, she has been doing well for herself. Then there is Anisha Mohammed, Shanel Daley and Deandra Dotting who will play key roles.”
The West Indies are placed in Group A with Sri Lanka, India and England while Group B comprises Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
England are the defending champions after beating Australia in the 2009 finals in Sydney.
