Taylor ‘happy to be back on the park’ after new milestone

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

Former captain Stafanie Taylor says playing her 150th One-Day International (ODI) on Wednesday has taken on new meaning, especially in light of her recent injury woes.

The 32-year-old has struggled with a worrisome back injury for the better part of the last year, resulting in a protracted spell on the sidelines and question marks over the longevity of her international career.

However, Taylor signalled her return to full fitness with a 39th One-Day International 50 on Monday as West Indies Women beat Ireland Women by 58 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series here.

And even though rain allowed only 52 deliveries in the second ODI, Taylor said she was thrilled about reaching her personal milestone.

“It is very special,” said the Jamaican, who made her international debut as a 17-year-old.

“I’m very happy to be back on the park and representing West Indies because a couple months ago I was wondering if I would ever be back, so it’s nice to be back in the maroon.”

She continued: “I must say, this is probably the best I have ever felt in a long, long time even when I was pretty much fit, and I say that because of how strong I feel. It’s been really good.”

Monday’s ODI was her first in nine months, and she celebrated by scoring 55 off 69 deliveries in a 156-run, second-wicket stand with captain Hayley Matthews, who struck 109 off 106 balls – her fourth ODI century.

Taylor, who has been good enough to score seven ODI hundreds in 5422 runs at an average of 44, said seeing Matthews notch another century was a special feeling.

“It was really nice to be back in the middle and supporting Hayley, and it was really nice to be there when she scored her fourth hundred,” Taylor said.

“It was really good, and as I said, it is really nice to be back in the maroon.”

West Indies face Ireland Women in the final ODI here Saturday.