WI women cancel warm up after injury scare

MUMBAI—Injury concerns have forced West Indies Women to cancel their second scheduled warm-up match ahead of their opener against host India in the ICC world cup. The Windies Women were originally due to play against a Mumbai Combined XI yesterday after losing to Australia in Monday’s warm-up fixture.

However, team management requested a cancellation amid concerns that minor injuries among several players could worsen ahead of tomorrow’s first tournament game. “We have a few players with little niggles so we don’t want to risk any major injuries by playing tomorrow (Tuesday),” head coach Sherwin Campbell explained. “We spoke about it and decided it makes no sense coming hard tomorrow again, and then have injuries leading into the tournament.”

The Caribbean side is seeking to regroup after suffering a 135-run defeat at the hands of Australian women. West Indies played without world-leading opener and all-rounder Stafanie Taylor and included a number of players who were given the chance to play in the Asian conditions.

“Rest and recovery is important. The players will get some rest as well as have some planning sessions as we look to get our strategy spot on for the crucial match against India,” said Campbell. “We want to get off to a winning start in the tournament. We have another training session planned for Wednesday and will start confidently on Thursday.”

Deandra Dottin top-scored with 52 to lead a Windies women effort to rebound against Australia in Monday’s first warm-up game. “We didn’t bowl as well as we know we can,” said Campbell, as he reflected on Monday’s result. To let them get 300-plus was also going to put pressure on our batters. However, Deandra played really well and demonstrated how good a player she is.”

The Windies will play in Group A alongside defending champions England, hosts India, and Sri Lanka. Group B will include Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. (CMC)