GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Former captain Stafanie Taylor says playing her 150th One-Day International on Wednesday had taken on new meaning, especially in light of her recent injury woes.
The 32-year-old has struggled with a problematic back injury for the better part of the last year, resulting in a protracted spell on the sidelines and question marks over the longevity of her international career.
However, Taylor signaled her return to full fitness with a 39th One-Day International fifty on Monday as West Indies Women beat Ireland, Women by 58 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series.
And even though rain allowed only 52 deliveries in the second ODI, Taylor said she was thrilled about reaching her milestone.
“It is very special,” said the Jamaican, who made her international debut as a 17-year-old.
“I’m thrilled to be back on the park and representing West Indies because a couple of months ago, I was wondering if I would ever be back, so it’s nice to be back in the maroon.”
He continued: “I must say, this is probably the best I have ever felt in a long, long time, even when I was pretty much fit, and I say that because of how strong I feel. It’s been perfect.”
Monday’s ODI was her first in nine months, and she celebrated by scoring 55 off 69 deliveries in a 156-run second-wicket stand with captain Hayley Matthews who struck 109 off 106 balls – her fourth ODI century.
Good enough to score seven ODI hundreds in 5422 runs at an average of 44, Taylor said seeing Matthews notch another century had been a special feeling.
“It was nice to be back in the middle and supporting Hayley, and it was nice to be there when she scored her fourth hundred,” Taylor said.
“It was perfect, and as I said, it is nice to be back in the maroon.”
West Indies face Ireland Women in the final ODI here Saturday.
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