Hayley Matthews Doubtful for Third ODI Due to Injury

TAUNTON: A significant blow has hit the West Indies women’s cricket squad as their prominent all-rounder, Hayley Matthews, might be absent from the third ODI against England because of a shoulder injury, sources revealed on Thursday.

Reports indicate that Matthews is slated to undergo a specialized evaluation in London this Thursday following a left shoulder injury sustained during their tour of England.

The injury, intensified by a fall during the first ODI in Derby, sidelined Matthews from the second ODI in Leicester, casting uncertainty over her participation in the decisive third and final ODI.

West Indies Women’s head coach Shane Deitz shared a cautiously optimistic view on Matthews’ condition after the team’s 143-run loss in Leicester on Wednesday.

“She is scheduled to visit London for examination, and we anticipate receiving positive updates,” Deitz commented.

England currently holds the lead in the series, having clinched the first ODI with a 108-run victory and previously dominated the T20I series 3-0.

Securing a victory in Saturday’s final ODI in Taunton would ensure a clean sweep across all formats for England.

Despite the team’s challenges, Matthews was recognized as the player of the series for the T20Is, topping the charts with 177 runs at a remarkable average of 88.50 and a strike rate of 137.20.

She delivered a noteworthy unbeaten century in the series opener at Canterbury and followed it up with a robust all-round display in Chelmsford, amassing 71 runs and claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs.

Matthews also contributed to a crucial 91-run partnership in Derby alongside opening partner Qiana Joseph, who scored 62.

Joseph, after struggling for form during the T20I series and missing the second ODI due to illness, is anticipated to be ready for the final match.

England possesses an insurmountable 2-0 advantage over the West Indies, with the third ODI set to take place in Taunton on Saturday.