The recommendation by the women's selection panel to make Matthews the captain was ratified at the CWI board of directors meeting on June 24.

"I am both humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity to captain the West Indies women's team," Matthews said. "It is definitely an exhilarating feeling and I welcome the experience to lead and learn with open arms. This team has been very close to my heart from the beginning of my professional career eight years ago and the influence of Stafanie's leadership throughout those eight years has played a major role in the player I am today.

"I would like to thank Stafanie for her astounding leadership of the team over the years. We've accomplished some of our biggest milestones with her at the forefront and I look forward to continuing playing alongside her."

"Hayley has made notable progress over the years, serving as vice-captain of the West Indies women's team and is the current captain of her national team, Barbados." Ann Browne-John, lead selector for women's cricket, said. "She has matured as a player and is one of the leading players worldwide with a good grasp of the game. Given the experience that she would have gained in both roles, we are confident this is the ideal time for her to step into the role of captain."