West Indies announce World Cup squad

West Indies have announced their squad for the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa, which starts in March. Their participation in the tournament has been in the balance as they have struggled to raise sufficient sponsorship to cover the cost of training camps, air fares and equipment.

Nevertheless, they have announced a squad, and their coach Ann Browne-John remains confident that the team will be able to make it to South Africa. "I am not thinking of the option of not raising the money," she said. "We have committed to going, and we just have to find the funds." The Trinidad and Tobago government has promised to assist with the $216,000 required, but has so far not revealed how much it will contribute.

The wicketkeeper Stephanie Power retains the captaincy. At 47, this could be her last World Cup, but Power will bring more than ten years' international experience to the side, and this will be her third World Cup.

The selection was made at the end of a week-long training camp in Trinidad, the second of three warm-up camps. The final camp will be held on February 19 over two weeks in Trinidad and then Barbados. West Indies failed to qualify for the 2000 tournament but, along with Ireland, they came through a qualifying tournament in Holland in 2003.

Squad Stephanie Power (capt), Nelly Williams, Philippa Thomas-Eudovic, Cordell Jack, Debbie-Ann Lewis, Envis Williams, Felicia Cummings, Indomatie Goordial, Juliana Nero, Kirbyina Alexander, Nadine George, Pamela Lavine, Anisa Mohammed, Shane de Silva, Verena Felicien.