Jacqueline Williams became the first ever female West Indian umpire to officiate in a T20I when she umpired in the second T20I between West Indies and England at Grenada. Jacqueline was in awe and felt honoured with the opportunity she grabbed as West Indies managed to beat England by 10 runs and take a 2-0 lead in the 5-match T20I series.
“It is like a dream come true. It’s a good feeling to be the first, but I hope I won’t be the last. I’m truly honoured to be given this amazing opportunity and I want to make sure I give my best when I take the field on Thursday. It is obvious that from what I have done so far in my career this would be a testimony to my work,” said the debuting umpire.
West Indies has been on a resurgence lately as they managed to topple off ex-ODI World Champions England in the ODI series which they won 2-1, and are now in a formidable position to win the T20I series against the reigning T20 champions, England. The return of Andre Russell has brought in a more dynamic element to the squad as the Windies gear up to make amends for their recent horrendous failures of the past 18 months, where they failed to qualify for the ODI and T20 World Cup for the very first time in their rich history.
The form of ever-consistent Shai Hope also proves the fact that West Indies aren’t just about power hitting, but stroke play and elegance as well.
West Indies next play England at the very same venue on December 16, followed by two T20Is at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba to be played on December 20 and 22 respectively.