Stafanie Taylor, an experienced West Indies all-rounder, has been named to the squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. However, her participation is contingent on a final fitness assessment, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI).
"Following a specialist's assessment of Stafanie Taylor's back injury in Johannesburg, she has travelled to Cape Town for additional treatment and to begin her return to play protocols ahead of the Team's arrival on Friday."
"The Cricket West Indies Medical Team will continue to support and care for Stafanie, and we wish her the best of luck in her efforts to return to full fitness in time for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup," the CWI said.
The squad, led by Hayley Matthews and featuring wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle, includes three players who competed in the inaugural ICC Women's U19 World Cup in January: Zaida James, Trishan Holder, and Djenaba Joseph. Due to injuries to senior players in the team, the trio was recently called up to the West Indies team ahead of the women's T20I tri-series in South Africa.
"Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, and Trishan Holder have all made significant progress and have been called up to the squad. Zaida brings both left-handed batting and left-arm orthodox bowling to the team, which has been lacking in recent years."
"Djenaba is a batting allrounder, while Trishan is a potent striker and wicketkeeper. They've all demonstrated that they can compete at this level. We believe the 15 players are a good all-around mix, and we expect them to compete in this World Cup "Ann Browne-John, Lead Selector, explained.
Aside from Hayley, Shemaine, and Stafanie, the squad also includes Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman, and Afy Fletcher. All six members were members of the West Indies team that won the Women's T20 World Cup in 2016.
The West Indies, along with England, India, Pakistan, and Ireland, have been drawn in Group 2 and will travel to Cape Town on February 3 ahead of the tournament's start on February 10 with hosts South Africa taking on Sri Lanka.
The tournament will be held at Newlands in Cape Town, Boland Park in Paarl, and St. George's Park in Gqeberha. West Indies, who have lost their last 13 T20Is, will open their T20 World Cup campaign against England on February 11 at Boland Park in Paarl. The final will be held in Cape Town on February 26.
West Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams