Samuels encouraged by competitive WI Women’s camp

June 08, 2021
West Indies Women’s assistant coach Robert Samuels chats with captain Stafanie Taylor (left) and Hayley Matthews during a net session in Antigua.
West Indies Women’s assistant coach Robert Samuels chats with captain Stafanie Taylor (left) and Hayley Matthews during a net session in Antigua.

West Indies Women's assistant coach Robert Samuels is pleased with what he has been seeing from the batters and bowlers during the ongoing high-performance training camp at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground in Antigua.

The camp, which features 30 of the region's best female cricketers, is entering its fourth week, with coach Samuels running the drills with a specific focus on the batters while head coach Courtney Walsh oversees the full programme.

Samuels, the former West Indies and Jamaica opener, says the intensity and competitiveness of the net sessions have indicated to him that the players are improving and responding well to the coaches over the past few weeks.

"Right now, the nets are very competitive because the batters are hitting form and the bowlers are hitting their straps. The bowlers are being challenged, so for me, that means the batters have basically stepped up their game, so it's a good look," said Samuels.

Among the 30 cricketers that have been going through their paces are eight uncapped players, including Jamaica's Rashada Williams, St Lucian teenager Zaida James, and Jannillea Glasgow from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The other uncapped players are Caneisha Isaac, Shanika Bruce, Mandy Mangru and Rachel Vincent.

"I am very pleased with what I am seeing. When you have new people, especially youngsters, coming in and fitting into the camp, it's a good look. They have fit in in terms of fitness, talent and execution, and they are doing very well."

With an abundance of young talent on hand, Samuels is happy with the direction with which the programme is going with regards to the future of women's cricket.

"I am happy to know that West Indies cricket has found some youngsters that they can look forward to in the future," added Samuels.

The West Indies Women are currently preparing for the ICC Women's World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in Sri Lanka in December.

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