Vice-captain Henry embraces leadership role ahead of Sri Lanka series

Newly appointed West Indies Women’s vice-captain Chinelle Henry is ready to make her mark, embracing the added responsibility as the regional side prepares to face Sri Lanka in a three-match One-Day International series starting Friday at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.

 

“I mean, obviously it’s still pretty new;  it’s the first series that I’ll actually be in that role, so it still hasn’t really changed much of anything. I will still go about playing my game the same way and the preparation has been the same. Getting that role doesn’t really change who I am as a person or player,” Henry said in a pre-series interview on Tuesday.

 

West Indies will be boosted by the return of skipper Hailey Matthews following shoulder surgery which ruled her out of international duty since last June, while veteran all rounder Deandra Dottin is also making her return. Henry says she’s enjoyed the training in the buildup to the series.

 

“Normally, we would have a lot longer time preparing for a series, but this time it’s a short turnaround with all the cricket. The girls have been playing regionals or are just coming from the WPL so it’s a quick turnaround. The prep has been really good and we go in a couple of days’ time, so you know there’s not much to fix and we’re ready to go,” she added.

 

Henry believes the return of Matthews and Dottin will be a major boost to West Indies fortunes. “Honestly, I think it’s been a while where we’ve had those two fit, playing in the same tournament and stuff like that. It’s really good to have them back, you know, obviously having played against them in the WPL and obviously being back in Maroon is a good feeling.”

 

Henry will also be tasked with mentoring some of the young uncapped players in the side. “Obviously, it’s always great representing the West Indies, whether you’re a capped or uncapped player, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be very pleased and happy to be here. It’s just about trying to help them to settle in as much as possible and showing them how we operate in doing certain things.”

 

The vice captain believes her experiences in playing franchise cricket will also be of benefit, during the series against Sri Lanka.

 

“Franchise cricket obviously has helped a lot in terms of development. I can see why players who have played in franchise cricket have done so well in their respective international teams. It’s about playing with different people, with different cultures, and learning new things along the way,” she said.

(KH)