This is definitely one of our best squads at a T20 World Cup: Hayley Matthews

The group occasionally discusses the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory, mostly because it seems like a long time ago. The older players frequently discuss the feelings they felt after that win, not only for us but also for the younger girls who were watching as they progressed through the system. Now that we have a squad, we want to replicate that success because we understand the enormous impact it will have, not only on us but also on cricket in the Caribbean, where the game is extremely important.

We would really love to be able to encourage another generation of girls coming up because we can see firsthand what we, the older girls in the group, have done for the younger girls entering the group. In the here and now, a World Cup is approaching, and who wouldn’t want to win?

A World Cup, particularly the T20 World Cup, seems to be one of those competitions where, on a good day, you may advance through the phases.

This is undoubtedly one of our best squads ever assembled for a T20 World Cup, if not our best. Many of our veteran players, like Shemaine Campbelle, who has been much more reliable lately, have shown significant improvement. And athletes such as Aaliyah Alleyne, who has elevated her game and assumed increasingly significant roles in games.

One thing that has been incredibly positive is the group’s cohesiveness; everyone feels quite comfortable and it feels like a huge safe zone. It’s extremely fortunate for us that even the younger members of the group have been able to settle in and get along with the senior members, and there is a great deal of mutual respect.

World Cups are usually dominated by spin, wherever they are played. I think spin will be important because spinners usually lead the charts and standings, especially in women’s cricket. Luckily, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, young Zaida James, and I have a good number of spinners in our arsenal.

The crew has been assembled with the belief that spin will be a significant factor. As a spin unit, hopefully, we can go out there and use the ball to create a big difference.

It’s difficult to imagine that I’ve just been playing international cricket for ten years; in many respects, it still seems like I’m just getting started. The time has certainly flown by. I still recall taking the pitch for the first time at Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent and the Grenadines, frightened and anxious as I realised a dream of a lifetime. It’s hard to believe that ten years have gone by and I’m still captain of the West Indies. A lot has happened since then.

Up until recently, I had trouble being consistent, but over the past few years, I have made significant progress in this area. I think I can finish this game among the elite if I can maintain my current level of consistency and performance.

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I’m taking things one step at a time and trying to do well every time I go to the park because I think I still have a long way to go. Whatever comes from it will come from it.