Toss West Indies opt to bowl vs India
Hayley Mathews called correctly as West Indies elected to bowl in the first ODI against India as both sides look to build towards the upcoming 50-over World Cup in a little over ten months. Mathews’ decision stemmed partly from not knowing how the surface at the brand-new BCA Stadium at Kotambi in Vadodara, would play. This is the first ODI at the venue.
Meanwhile, after missing two of the three T20Is last week due to a knee niggle, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur returned to the starting XI as the side looks to bounce back from a 3-0 drubbing in Australia earlier this month. Harmanpreet’s return bolstered the batting unit that could feature yet another new opening combination.
India went in with three specialist seamers, with Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu partnering spearhead Reuka Singh. Priya Mishra, who made her ODI debut in Australia, continues to get the backing and is the second frontline spinner alongside Deepti Sharma.
In strengthening their batting, India are also playing with just five frontline bowlers, with Harmanpreet capable of sending down a few overs if required, although she has not bowled a lot in recent times.
Nine members who featured in the T20I decided three nights ago retain their place in the West Indies XI. Fast-bowling allrounder Chinelle Henry and spin-bowling allrounder Nerissa Crafton made way for Shamilia Connell and Rashada Williams. Meanwhile, today officially marks Deandra Dottin’s ODI comeback, having reversed her retirement decision earlier this year. Dottin last featured in an ODI against Australia at the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand in 2022.
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Renuka Singh
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Zaida James, Shabika Gajnabi, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
Source: ESPN Crickinfo