A Late but Promising Call-Up for Chinelle Henry
Chinelle Henry, a powerful West Indies middle-order batter and fast bowler, is ready to step into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the UP Warriorz, filling the shoes of the injured Australia captain, Alyssa Healy. Healy, who has been nursing a stress injury in her foot since last year’s T20 World Cup, left a significant void, but Henry sees this as a tremendous opportunity. "This is a really huge opportunity for me," Henry shared with ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast. "The only other franchise league I was part of was the CPL, so being in one of the biggest franchises in female cricket, the WPL, is a significant milestone in my career. I hope this will lead to a permanent spot on the team in the next edition of the WPL."
Adjusting to the Elite Stage
Henry’s recent performances, particularly during West Indies’ maiden tour of India in December, where she scored 43 off 16 balls in a T20I and 61 off 72 balls in an ODI, caught the attention of the UP Warriorz. She acknowledges the pressure and responsibilities that come with replacing a player of Healy’s caliber but is determined to rise to the occasion. "Being here in the WPL, I was a little bit nervous at first, but after adjusting to the atmosphere and getting to know the girls better, I’m ready to continue my good form," she said. "My back-to-back performances in India just before the call-up were a testament to my current level of play, and I’m hoping to carry this confidence into the WPL."
Learning and Growing with the Best
At 29, with 111 international caps across both white-ball formats, Henry is not just focused on her own performance but also on sharing her experiences with the younger members of the West Indies squad. Her time in the WPL will be a valuable learning experience, and she is eager to take back as much knowledge as possible. "This tournament is a unique blend of top international talent, and being able to play alongside and learn from the best in the world is incredibly beneficial," Henry explained. "I want to soak up as much as I can and bring those lessons back to the West Indies team, helping us evolve and stay competitive."
Building on Recent Success
West Indies’ journey in women’s cricket has seen significant milestones, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup and winning the T20 World Cup in 2016. However, the team understands the importance of continuous improvement. "We just don’t want to keep dwelling on the past," Henry asserted. "We won the T20 World Cup once, but the cricket landscape is changing. Teams are getting better, and so are we. We need to keep pushing the boundaries, especially in the longer format of the game." The upcoming series against England, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs, will be a crucial test as the team aims to secure a spot in the 50-over World Cup.
Facing England in England
England, one of the top teams in women’s cricket, will be seeking revenge after West Indies knocked them out of the T20 World Cup at the group stage. England’s recent poor performance in the Women’s Ashes, where they lost 16-0, has prompted an ECB review, and Henry expects them to come out strong. "Playing in England will be a challenge," she admitted. "They will definitely be out for blood, but we know what it takes to beat teams ranked above us. We have to be ready to handle the pressure and bring our best game. The experience we gained from the World Cup will be invaluable."
Returning to the Test Format
West Indies will also return to playing a women’s Test match in 2026, their first in over two decades, when they host Australia. This long-awaited return to the format marks a significant step in the team’s development and commitment to all forms of the game. "The Test format is something we’re really excited about," Henry said. "It’s a different kind of cricket, one that requires a lot of mental and physical resilience. We’re looking forward to the challenge and using this as an opportunity to grow as a team." Before that, the team has a busy schedule, including the upcoming series against England, which will be a critical phase in their preparation for the 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
