WI Women looking to acclimatise quickly in the UK

The West Indies Women's team got their first outing since arriving in England on Monday when they held their first net session in Derby.

The team is currently preparing for the start of the five-match bio-secure Vitality T20 International series against England Women with the first match slated to take place on September 21.

Team physiotherapist Tajay Grant said the girls are eager to get some match action under their belt, however, the team management unit would be gradually getting the girls up to full fitness, having been out of action for many months.

"In terms of our plan to ease back our players into match readiness, we plan to do it on a gradated scale. We will be doing assessments as we go along and try as best to accommodate everyone so that they can feel confident in themselves both physically and mentally," said Grant.

Grant highlighted that a few members of the squad on tour have been quite comfortable with the English conditions having played for respective clubs in the United Kingdom (UK).

Stafanie Taylor played for the Western Storm, while Haley Matthews turned out for the Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Super League.

For Grant, the aim is to get everybody on the same page as they get ready for the tough assignment.

"Most of the women have travelled to the UK before so they would have been exposed to this type of weather. In this early stage, we will constantly remind them to wear warm clothing, moisturise and rehydrate during training and in matches."

The series against England will be the first bilateral fixture in nearly a year, following their series against India in the Caribbean last November.

The West Indies will be led by regular captain Taylor but will miss veteran off-spinner and vice-captain Anisa Mohammed after the Trinidadian opted out due to COVID-19 concerns.

SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Aaliyah Alleyne, Cherry Ann Fraser, Natasha Mclean, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Chedean Nation, Britney Cooper, Sheneta Grimmond, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Kaysia Schultz, Deandra Dottin, Lee Ann Kirby and Shakera Selman.