Matthews replaces Taylor as WI captain

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Stafanie Taylor has been removed as West Indies Women’s captain and replaced by Hayley Matthews following a review of the squad’s leadership by the selectors, with head coach Courtney Walsh citing the need for change.

In a surprise announcement last Saturday, Cricket West Indies said the 24-year-old Matthews would take over from Matthews — seven years her senior — with immediate effect and lead the squad and lead the squad in their next series later this year.

“The selection panel get that it was time to make the change,” Walsh said.

West Indies Women Head Coach, Courtney Walsh. Associated Press/Aijaz Rahi/File

“Haley Matthews is young , she has longevity in the game and she can lead the team for a longer time to get the experience and we are here to support her,” he said.

Taylor replaced Melissa Aguilleira in 2015 and subsequently oversaw West Indies’ capture of the Women’s T20 World Cup in India the following year.

However, West Indies has struggled to make an impression at recent world tournaments despite reaching the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand last March.

Matthews is currently leading Barbados in the West Indies Women’s Championship in Guyana and will also lead the squad in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month.