In this two-part series, Selman talks about the state of the current Windies team as well as the challenges facing women’s cricket in the Caribbean
Following her retirement in 2024, Shakera Selman has become a staple voice in the commentary box for Cricket West Indies. The former seamer also holds an administrative position in the game, after undertaking the role of Women’s Cricket Officer with the Barbados Cricket Association that same year. She shared her perspective on the different issues facing the West Indies team as well as those plaguing the women’s game in the region.
What do you make of the West Indian seamers struggling to threaten with the new ball?
It is a worry, but they have quality. We've seen what Chinelle Henry can do. And Aaliyah Alleyne has taken at least one wicket in the last 12 ODIs she's bowled in (before Wednesday). So she's obviously a threat as well. I don't think the West Indies utilize her in the best way; I think there is an opportunity for her to bowl with the new ball. I really hope that the think tank eventually sees that.
Deandra Dottin has skill, but you don't want to rely on her too much. She is an all-rounder, and you don't want to step into a game expecting Deandra to bowl ten overs or to take four or three wickets every game. There is the odd occasion that she'll take a wicket, and she's done wondrous stuff for the West Indies over the years, but the plans can't be around Deandra as a seamer.
So you're hoping that someone can partner with Henry from the other end. They identified Shawnisha Hector coming out of a good regional season, but it hasn't worked in these conditions (against Sri Lanka in Grenada). Jannillea Glasgow has not bowled for the series as yet. So there are options.
I think the bigger picture is that seamers need to be given more opportunities to bowl more overs. We've relied too much on our spinners across conditions, and the only way our seamers are going to get better is by being given more opportunities.