KINGSTON, Jamaica –– Cleon Smith, coach of Jamaica’s women’s cricket team, believes the selection of marquee all-rounder Stafanie Taylor as captain of West Indies women is not only timely, but just.
Captain of Jamaica’s victorious teams for the past six seasons, Taylor was last week elevated to the regional post by the West Indies Selection Panel.
She replaces Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira, who held the post for six years.
“Stafanie’s appointment is much-deserved,” said Smith, who has been coaching the 24-year-old since 2006, when he was put in charge of the Jamaica team.
“She has been captaining for Jamaica for quite a while, and has been winning championships over and over, so there is no doubt about her ability to lead.”
Taylor, the most decorated of West Indies Women players, has led Jamaica to an impressive five straight titles since her appointment as captain in 2010.
Smith believes the former ICC Women’s Cricketer of The Year will also get the support of her regional teammates.
“When you have a star player, who is humble, respected, and has a good relationship with players, it says a lot,” said Smith.
Taylor, with a one-day batting international average of 45.88 from 49 matches, including three centuries and 13 fifties, and an off-spin bowling average of 16.34, will lead the regional side for the first time next month.
The West Indies, who are slated to have a training camp in St Lucia later this month, will play Pakistan in a four-match one-day and three-match Twenty20 International series in St Lucia and Grenada.
The final three one-day matches will count towards qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup in England in 2017.