BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Afy Fetcher has emerged as the most successful player in the two warm-up matches put on by the West Indies women’s team as they prepare for the tour of South Africa.
The 28-year-old all-rounder from Grenada secured two four-wicket hauls and made a match-winning knock in the day-night matches at the 3Ws Oval over the last week here.
On Tuesday, she took four for 17 with her leg-spin and returned on Thursday night to take four for 33. She followed up with 39 not out off 41 balls to help her team win the 50-over contest.
“I’m enjoying my return to the team. I was out for a while so I’m looking to make every moment count now that I’m back,” she said.
“I worked hard when I was out and it is paying off. I know what I have to do — that is to look for wickets when I come on, because I see myself as a wicket-taking bowler.
“I am mainly a bowler, but I know I can contribute with the bat, and when I go to the crease I also look for runs.”
In Thursday’s match, she added an unbroken 106 for the eighth wicket with Deandra Dottin, who made 66 not out off 82 balls.
Fletcher was recently voted Sportswoman of the Year in Grenada and said she was determined to improve and cement a spot in the team.
She made her international debut in 2008 but lost her place a year later. She returned to the set-up last year and has been impressive since.
Overall, she has played 17 One-Day Internationals and seven T20 Internationals.
“The pitch here (in Barbados) favours my bowling and I was able to do very well. I know the pitches in South Africa might not favour the spinners, so I know I will have to make an adjustment,” Fletcher pointed out.
“I have been speaking to the coaches about that and we have outlined what changes, if any, will have to be made. We will see when we get there.”
Fletcher added: “The pitches in India will take turn, so I am looking forward to playing there. I have never played there before so it will be a new experience for me, but I am willing to learn and adapt.”
West Indies take on South Africa in four One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20s from February 22 to March 3.
They then travel to India for the ICC Women’s World T20 Tournament starting in March.