Shemaine Campbelle during Tuesday’s virtual interview
As the West Indies Women continue their preparation ahead of the 5-match T20 series against the England Women, Guyanese player Shemaine Campbelle engaged the media in discussing her expectations and overall eagerness about the tour.
The wicketkeeper/batter has said she is more than excited to get back out and play, after the coronavirus pandemic put a halt on cricket for several months.
She is part of an 18-member West Indies Squad touring England for the five-match Vitality T20 Series, which is the first female cricket tour since the resumption of play.
Speaking virtually with media operatives on Tuesday, Campbelle stressed the importance of the tour, and shared that she is eager to get back on the pitch.
“Obviously, for us it’s a great feeling coming back and playing Women’s international cricket. For all of us, it’s a real big (occasion), and we (are) just looking forward to having some real great cricket here with England,”
Campbelle explained.
“Cricket is always something that we love in the Caribbean, so coming back out on the field and play is always a good feeling for us. So, we’re just going to go out there and just do the things that we’re accustomed doing”.
On the sore topic of the 2020 Women’s World Cup, which took place a few months ago and in which the Windies Women had a sub-par showing, Campbelle said it was unfortunate, and noted the team had a few lessons to learn. However, she said, the team is ready to get back to its winning ways.
“It’s very important for us. As a group and as a unit, we would just go out there, play, and enjoy the sport; ‘cause you know we’re known for playing T20 and enjoying. So, I think it’s for us to go and execute and do the things that we know,” she commented.
“We just gotta go and come back strong. I think now we’re well prepared, mentally and physically, so we’re just waiting for that challenge to come up,” Campbelle further stated.
Campbelle who was the first female cricketer to strike a century batting at number 7, has been a staple in the Caribbean team for about 11 years, and can be considered one of the senior players. Addressing this fact, Campbelle noted that she is keen on setting an example for the younger ladies in the side.
“You know, as a senior player in the team, I think it’s a great challenge and experience. As for me, in my part, it’s just to go and do what I’m accustomed to doing, so I could lead in front and have the youths follow,” the Guyanese stated.
Reminiscing on her century and how that has shaped her approach to the game, the Guyanese player stated, “Batting at number 7 (and) scoring that century, I think it’s always a good feeling for me. I know that I’m capable of batting well and doing good for the team, so it’s a case of believing in myself and going out and play good cricket.”
In regard to the other players in the team, the batter shared that she has witnessed improvements in the batting department, and is looking forward to their performances.
“So far, all the girls have been looking good; and as for us batting, everyone has improved over some time. Just for the couple days we’ve been here, I’ve seen some progress in our batting. I think we need to keep that momentum going,” she said.
Aside from Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Kaysia Schultz and Shabika Gajnabi are the other Guyanese in the team.
Campbelle noted that it is refreshing to have so many of her countrywomen in the side.
“It’s always a good feeling to have some players from your home region to be a part of the team, (because) sometimes, being alone in the squad, you have to gel with the others. But, you know, it’s always a good feeling to have more of us in the team; so, I think that’s a plus,” Campbelle shared.
The Vitality Tour will bowl off on Monday, September 21st, at the Incora County Ground. The other matches will go down on September 23, 26, 28 and 30 at the same venue.
Full Squad: Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Natasha McLean, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, LeeAnn Kirby, Sheneta Grimmond, Karishma Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Kaysia Schultz
MATCH SCHEDULE Vitality T20I Series
Monday, September 21: 1st Vitality IT20, England v West Indies
Wednesday, September 23: 2nd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies
Saturday, September 26: 3rd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies
Monday, September 28: 4th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies
Wednesday, September 30: 5th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies
