Big series for West Indies - Merissa Aguilleira

	'It is a big opportunity for players to advance if they want to be counted as world-class players.' © Getty Images
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West Indies will look to rebound from their recent series loss to South Africa when they take on England in three ODIs, the first of which begins on Wednesday at Basseterre. Having lost the four-match series 2-1 in South Africa last month, West Indies will have their task cut out against the current world champions in the game's two short formats.

Captain Merissa Aguilleira rallied her players and said they needed to show their potential and play to their strengths. "Everyone in the team has been chosen because we know they have the ability to perform at the international level," Aguilleira told Caribbean Media Corporation. "Everyone knows their role and their responsibilities towards the team unit.

"This is a big series for us against England and a big opportunity for players to advance if they want to be counted as world-class players. Once we stay cool out there in the middle and play to our strengths, we can be victorious."

Aguilleira, 23, who has played 19 ODIs and six Twenty20 internationals, believed her side needed to make quick adjustments, given the increasing pace and tempo of the game. "Women's cricket is developing rapidly. As a young player getting into cricket the game was a bit slow, but at international level the pace is much faster and you have to make that adjustment," Aguilleira said. "With Twenty20s being an integral part of the game you can see how the game has advanced. And in all areas - batting, bowling and fielding - our players are learning with every game.

"Over the past year and especially with women participating in the T20 World Championship, we have noticed that the pace has increased and players are enjoying it. This is an exciting time for women's cricket and we are really looking forward to this series against England and the upcoming international assignments next year."

The second and third one-dayers of the series will be played on Thursday and Saturday at the same venue. Following the one-day matches, West Indies will clash with England in three Twenty20s. West Indies have enjoyed reasonable success in the shortest form of the game, and recently walloped South Africa 3-0 away.