West Indies will look to their two season campaigners Stephanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin for inspiration when they open their account against England in the Women's T20 World Cup today.
Probably the most improved side in women's cricket, the West Indies have have shown how a bit of support from the board can go a long way in producing a side that continues to make rapid strides.
Since the last World T20, they have played the most matches in the format–17. While they had a disappointing tour of New Zealand coming into the tournament, they won games against England and New Zealand before that at home. And they have already served notice of what they are capable of, shocking defending champions Australia after crushing South Africa in their warm-up games.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Merissa Aguilleira leads a settled side with a core group of players who have been around for quite some time. Dottin is arguably the most powerful striker the women's game has ever had. She smashed an unbeaten 78 off 48 against Australia in the warm-up and often makes a mockery of the shorter boundaries used in women's cricket, hitting the ball into the stands.
Charlotte Edwards will captain a youthful England at her fourth World T20. Arran Brindle, a stoic performer with both bat and ball, retired after England's most recent Ashes win and pace spearhead Katherine Brunt was ruled out by injury In Sarah Taylor, England have an impishly brilliant wicketkeeper as well as one of the best batsmen in the world.
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