Led by three West Indies players, Saint Lucia will seek to rebound from a last-place finish at this year’s Windward Islands Cricket Board Women’s Tournament when the 2026 competition gets underway this weekend in St Vincent & the Grenadines. Saint Lucia played unbeaten in 2024.
Minus veterans Malika Edward and Teaddie Crawford, the squad will rely heavily on senior regional players Zaida James and Nerissa Crafton, as well as West Indies Under-19 bowler Selena Ross. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Ashlene Edward is back, along with seasoned youngsters Namiah Marcellin, Niesha Cherry, Cian Felix and Skyy Smith. 
James has been named captain, whilst fellow 21-year-old Marcellin has been installed as her deputy. Edward, 35, is one of only four players over the age of 26. Natalia Philip and Elisha James return, whilst Krishna Joseph also comes into the team. The 14-member squad also includes two uncapped teenagers, bowlers Ammie Antoine and Gillia Mc Laurent.
Team Saint Lucia is led by former West Indies player Philippa Thomas-Eudovic as coach, supported by Eldridge Charles. Former Windward Islands women’s player Yasmine St Ange is the team manager.
Even with the inclusion of the three players with international experience, the squad is likely lacking in match fitness. Whereas there have been multiple domestic tournaments for men in 2025, in formats from T10 to two-day, there has been a dearth of competitive action for women and girls, who are often left with no choice but to insert themselves into the men’s and boys’ tournaments.
The Windwards T20 competition runs from January 4 to 9 at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Kingstown. The hosts won the last 50-over competition last February in Dominica.
Saint Lucia Schedule:
Jan 4 v SVG, 10am
Jan 5 v GRN, 10am
Jan 7 v DMA, 2pm
Jan 9 Final & 3rd Place
(TF)
