Matthews replaces Taylor as Windies skipper

Star allrounder Hayley Matthews has been appointed West Indies captain, replacing long-time leader Stafanie Taylor.

Cricket West Indies confirmed the decision on Saturday, with Matthews to assume the role ahead of the team’s next yet-to-be-confirmed series later this year.

The 24-year-old steps into the shoes of Taylor, 31, who had led the Windies since 2015 and notably, took them to victory over Australia at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, while they were the surprise packet of the 2022 ODI World Cup in March and April, making the semi-finals ahead of India and hosts New Zealand.

Windies coach Courtney Walsh said team management felt the time was right for a change in leadership ahead of the 2023 T20 World Cup next February.

"If we were thinking of making any changes now would be the best time so that we give the new captain a couple of series under her belt before she enters into a World Cup," Walsh said.

"Hayley Matthews is young; she has longevity in the game, and she can lead the team for a longer time to get the experience and we are here to support her.

"For us it's a win-win as we will have Stafanie to concentrate on her best cricket and passing on guidance to Hayley as she grows in the role of taking the team forward.

"Hayley has made notable progress over the years, serving as vice-captain of the West Indies women's team and is the current captain of her national team, Barbados."

Matthews is set to lead Barbados at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Barbados was selected as the "representative team" for West Indies at the event in Birmingham.

Taylor, who hails from Jamaica, will not feature at the event, but Matthews will be joined by West Indies regulars and fellow Bajans Deandra Dottin, Kycia Knight and Shakera Selman.

"I am both humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity to captain the West Indies women's team," Matthews said.

"It is definitely an exhilarating feeling and I welcome the experience to lead and learn with open arms.

"This team has been very close to my heart from the beginning of my professional career eight years ago and the influence of Stafanie's leadership throughout those eight years has played a major role in the player I am today."