'I was really looking forward to it'

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

West Indies and Jamaica batter, Stephanie Taylor, says the issuing of central retainer contracts by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to six members of the West Indies team will go a long way in helping the team to continue its upward trend on the international scene.

According to the 19-year-old Taylor, who is rated as one of the best cricketers in the world, when she got the call about the issuing of contracts she was delighted, as prior to yesterday it was difficult for a number of players to make two ends meet, and while it is only six players who will benefit, it should help those who receive tremendously.

"I got the call this (yesterday) morning saying that the board has approved us getting a retainer contract. When I heard I said, 'That's great', as I personally was really looking forward to it, given the fact that I am studying," said Taylor.

"It's a few players who will get contracts, but for those who will get, it is good, as we will be in a position where we can say we are making something, and when we are not playing, for whatever reasons, we still have something to look forward to.

"A number of players have families. However, due to cricket commitments are not working, so it is something all of us are happy about," she added.

Taylor, who is rated at number four in the world in batting, third as an all-rounder, and 13th as a bowler in one-day internationals, is one of two 'A' contract players handed a retainer, with the other being world batting record holder, Deandra Dottin.

"A lot of persons out there were saying that we deserve to be on contracts as we have been representing the West Indies well. I know the amount is a lot different from the males, but at least it's a start and hopefully from here will only get better," said Taylor.

The West Indies made it to the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Twenty20 World Cup in May and won the ICC World Challenge in South Africa in October.