Toss West Indies opt to bowl vs India
Hayley Matthews 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. Matthews’ 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.
India went in with three specialist seamers, with Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu partnering spearhead Renuka Singh. Priya Mishra, who made her ODI debut two months ago in New Zealand, 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 decider three nights ago retain their place in the West Indies XI. Fast-bowling allrounder Chinelle Henry and 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: 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Pratika Rawal, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Deepti Sharma, 8 Saima Thakor, 9 Titas Sadhu, 10 Priya Mishra, 11 Renuka Singh
West Indies: 1 Hayley Matthews (capt), 2 Qiana Joseph, 3 Shemaine Campbelle (wk), 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Rashada Williams, 6 Zaida James, 7 Shabika Gajnabi, 8 Aaliyah Alleyne, 9 Shamilia Connell, 10 Afy Fletcher, 11 Karishma Ramharack
