Deitz hails growing depth in Windies Women squad

West Indies Women Head Coach Shane Deitz has expressed satisfaction with the progress of his squad, highlighting the increased competition for places and the development of greater depth within the team as they continue their preparations for the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Machel St Patrick Hewitt on the Caribbean Cricket Podcast, Deitz emphasised the importance of having all 15 squad members ready to contribute at any moment.
“We wanted 15 players ready to play the first game, knocking on my door wanting to be selected,” Deitz said, “I think all 15 have contributed something and shown they have the ability to perform at this level.”
The Australian Coach noted that building squad depth has been one of his key objectives since taking charge. Traditionally, he explained, the starting line-up would largely select itself, with only a handful of players genuinely competing for places. That situation is now changing.
The Head Coach explained, “Usually, nine or 10 players pick themselves quite easily and then it’s always one or two positions up for discussion. The reserves don’t always get much opportunity and probably haven’t deserved it. But now we need 15 players. I always say we need 20 players in the Caribbean to be a good team, but that takes a long time to build.”
According to Deitz, the current environment is exactly what the coaching staff has been striving to create, with every squad member gaining valuable experience in varying conditions and remaining prepared for selection.
Looking ahead, Deitz stressed the importance of strong starts, particularly during the powerplay overs.
“The power play has got to be perfect. We’re going to have to have a really good start from ball one,” he noted.
The Coach also pointed to the team’s flexibility and the variety of options available depending on opposition, match-ups, and playing conditions.
One player who has particularly impressed in recent preparations is experienced all-rounder Deandra Dottin. Deitz revealed that Dottin displayed excellent form during practice matches in Newport.
“She got a 50-odd off 17 balls in one game and has been hitting the ball everywhere,” he said, “She’s in form, but we just need a few options.”
Meanwhile, Deitz underscored the value of left-arm spin in modern women’s cricket, noting that the world’s three highest-ranked bowlers are all left-arm spinners.
“The best three bowlers in the world are all left-arm spinners, so I think you need a left-arm spinner in your team,” he explained.
He praised spinner Qiana Joseph for her commitment to improving her game, particularly her fitness and bowling mechanics.
Deitz opined, “If Qiana wants to take her game to the next level, she’s got to get better at a lot of things. She has done heaps of work on her fitness and has changed her body shape a lot. She’s now ready to bowl properly, get over her front leg, and become another asset to the team.”
As West Indies Women continue their preparations, Deitz believes the growing competition for places, improved fitness standards, and emergence of multiple match-winning options are all positive signs for the future of Caribbean women’s cricket.