West Indies Women’s cricket captain Hayley Matthews will miss the upcoming final One Day International (ODI) against England due to an injury, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced today.

Matthews, 27, was initially sidelined from the second ODI at Leicester after suffering a left shoulder injury that was worsened by a fall during the first match at Derby. The medical team took precautionary measures during the Leicester game to prevent further damage to her shoulder. She subsequently traveled to London on Thursday to consult a specialist, while the rest of the squad moved to Taunton for the third and final ODI scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at Somerset County Cricket Club.

In a further precaution, the decision was made to also rule Matthews out of the third ODI, prioritizing her recovery and ensuring her readiness for the upcoming home series against South Africa.

West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz expressed his understanding of the situation.

“It’s unfortunate Hayley’s picked up an injury and she won’t be available for the last ODI here in England. She’s played a lot of cricket over the past few years and obviously injuries are part of being an elite level athlete in all sports,” Deitz stated.

He said her absence will provide the opportunity for other players to step up in Hayley’s absence.

“We will miss her greatly on and off the field, but there’s a great opportunity for other players to step up as Realeanna Grimmond did in the second ODI. She stepped up in Hayley’s role and played a great innings so it’s a great opportunity for other players to be able to fill the void that Hayley leaves with bat and ball and leadership on the field,” Deitz noted.

The medical team is exploring options to support Matthews’ long-term health, aiming to get her fully fit to continue her successful career.

In her absence, vice-captain and wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle, who led the team in the second ODI, will continue her leadership role as the team aims to end the England series on a positive note.

The West Indies Women are set to host South Africa in a series from June 11 to 23, featuring both ODI and T20I matches at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados. This series is a vital part of their international schedule, offering the team a crucial opportunity to build momentum in familiar conditions.