Saint Lucia Eyes Comeback With a Blend of Youth and Experience at Windwards Tournament.

GROS ISLET, St. Lucia - A Saint Lucia squad infused with West Indies talent but seeking competitive sharpness will open their 2026 Windward Islands Women’s T20 campaign this weekend, aiming to erase the memory of a last-place finish in the 2025 tournament.

The team, which went unbeaten in the 2024 edition, enters the competition without veterans Malika Edward and Teaddie Crawford. Leadership now falls to 21-year-old West Indies all-rounder Zaida James, who will captain the side, with fellow 21-year-old Namiah Marcellin as vice-captain.

Saint Lucia’s hopes will lean heavily on its core of regional players. Alongside Captain James, the squad includes seasoned Windward Islands campaigner Nerissa Crafton and West Indies Under-19 bowler Selena Ross.

They are bolstered by the return of 35-year-old veteran wicketkeeper-batter Ashlene Edward, one of only four players in the 14-member group over the age of 26.

The lineup blends this experience with what coach Philippa Thomas-Eudovic, a former West Indies player, calls “seasoned youngsters.”

These include Niesha Cherry, Cian Felix, and Skyy Smith. Natalia Philip and Elisha James return to the fold, while Krishna Joseph rejoins the team.

Notably, the selectors have invested in youth for the future, naming two uncapped teenage bowlers, Ammie Antoine and Gillia Mc Laurent.

Despite the presence of three West Indies representatives, a significant challenge looms: a glaring lack of match practice. While men’s cricket in the region enjoyed a full slate of domestic tournaments in 2025, women’s cricket faced a “dearth of competitive action,” often forcing players to seek games in men’s competitions to maintain fitness.

“The talent is undeniable,” said team manager Yasmine St Ange, a former Windward Islands player. “Our task is to translate that talent into performance quickly, despite the preparation hurdles.”

The six-day Windwards T20 tournament runs from January 4 to 9 at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex. Saint Lucia will be looking to dethrone the hosts, St Vincent & the Grenadines, who won the last 50-over competition in February 2025.

Saint Lucia Squad: Zaida James (Captain), Namiah Marcellin (Vice-Captain), Ashlene Edward, Nerissa Crafton, Selena Ross, Niesha Cherry, Cian Felix, Skyy Smith, Natalia Philip, Elisha James, Krishna Joseph, Ammie Antoine, Gillia Mc Laurent.

Management: Philippa Thomas-Eudovic (Coach), Eldridge Charles (Assistant Coach), Yasmine St Ange (Manager).