SOUTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Rookie Akeira Peters says she is thrilled with her selection to the West Indies side for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, and is hoping to leave her mark on the tournament.
The 23-year-old all-rounder was one of four newcomers named in the 15-member squad for the June 24 to July 23 campaign here, where West Indies enter as one of the favourites.
“This opportunity means a great deal. Of course it’s a pleasure to be representing the region so it’s a great opportunity for me to go out there and showcase my talent. I was very happy I was selected and I am grateful for the opportunity,” the Grenadian said during the ongoing preparation camp at the Ageas Bowl here.
“I hope that I get the opportunity to play and in doing that I can accomplish my task, whatever is given to me and as a result I can help the team in whatever way I can.”
Peters, a left-handed batsman who bowls right-arm seam, has picked on potential after enduring an ordinary Regional Super50 Championship earlier this year for Windward Islands.
She along with fellow uncapped players in Qiana Joseph, Felicia Walters and Reniece Boyce join a side boasting international stars like captain Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews, and noted there had been no problems fitting into the squad.
“So far it has been really great. The girls are very warm and welcoming and they help you in anyway they can so it’s been really good so far,” he pointed out.
Peters said the road to international colours had been a difficult one and believes if she makes her debut in the tournament, it would be a fitting way to crown her journey.
“It’s been quite difficult sometimes. Having to go to work from 7 am and finishing four o’clock, five o’clock sometimes, and you go to the park and you only get a couple hours because it gets dark so it has been kind of difficult,” she explained.
“However, whenever I got the opportunity I would use the time wisely and push some work and ensure I got what I planned to do on that day done.”
She added: “It would mean a great deal [to play a World Cup match]. I don’t how to express myself … it would be such an exciting feeling.”
West Indies Women play official warm-up matches against Pakistan on June 20 and against South Africa two days later, before opening their campaign with a clash with reigning champions Australia on June 26.
