Jamaica Observer, Oct. 18; ST JOHN’S, Antigua - Sherwin Campbell acknowledged that the West Indies Women are eagerly looking forward to their tour of Sri Lanka, starting later this month.

Campbell, head coach of the Windies Women, believes the tour will be an eye-opening experience for a number of the players, as they seek to fine-tune ahead of next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup from March 7 to 22 in Australia.

"The plan is to get in the maximum amount of work before we head off to Sri Lanka," he said in a West Indies Cricket Board news release.

"We will also be looking to work on the skills of the players and get them in the right frame of mind. This is likely to be the last tour before the World Cup and we will be looking to make the most of every opportunity.

"This tour is part of the preparation for the bigger assignments. Sri Lanka are relatively new, and might be on par with us, so we will be going there expecting a tough tour. We have talented players who are committed and I believe we will do well."

The women will start an intense five-day camp today in Barbados ahead of their departure.

Campbell and the rest of the coaching and fitness staff will attempt to get the players in top shape for the two-week tour which will feature five One-Day Internationals.

He added that the camp would be a good opportunity for the players to fine-tune their skills and get fully mentally prepared for the tour with intense fitness and net sessions.

The tour is a key part of the team’s preparation for the Women’s World Cup. The 25-match tournament will feature the top eight teams in the World.

The Windies Women have been drawn in Pool-A alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and the hosts.

The Windies Women are also slated to participate in the ICC’s Women’s World Twenty20 Championship next June in England which will feature eight teams and will be played alongside the men’s event.

Windies Women Touring Squad -

Nadine George (captain), Kirbyina Alexander (vice-captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Phernel Charles, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Erva Giddings, Stacy-Ann King, Anisa Mohammed, Juliana Nero, Danielle Small, Charlene Taitt, Stefanie Taylor.

Schedule -

October 30: Depart Barbados

November 1: Arrive Sri Lanka

November 3: Warm-up match vs winners of Sri Lanka Division 1 League - BRC Ground, Colombo

November 5: 1st One-day International - Rangiri Dambulla Stadium

November 7: 2nd One-day International - Rangiri Dambulla Stadium

November 9: 3rd One-day International - Rangiri Dambulla Stadium

November 11: 4th One-day International - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

November 12: 5th One-day International - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

November 13: Depart Sri Lanka