From javelin thrower to cricketer: Story of Hayley Matthews

We know plenty of players who participated in a variety of sports at junior level. Along with cricket, they used to invest their time in some or the other sport activity which eventually helped them in becoming a better cricketer. For instance, Sophie Devine used to play hockey along with cricket. Similarly, Deandra Dottin was a track and field athlete along with a cricketer. Playing multiple sports helps in developing cognitive skills fast. Also, it helps in improving various arenas of fitness like agility, speed, stamina etc. Another such cricketer who has been an athlete prior to representing for her country in cricket is Hayley Matthews. 

Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss the career trajectory of this Caribbean legend- Matthews. 

She is a right handed batter and right arm off break bowler. As mentioned above, she was a professional javelin thrower who represented Barbados in track and field events as well. She won multiple medals in the CARIFTA Games. 

Because of athletic body and strong shoulder strength, clearing sixes is never an issue for her. A lot of her success in cricket goes to her initial hardwork in athletic tracks only. 

Early life and domestic cricket 

Born on 19 March, 1998 (present age 36), Matthews attended People’s Cathedral Primary School and Harrison College. She started playing cricket when she was 8 years old and within four years she made her debut for the junior Barbados team, that is, when she was 12. Her father used to play for one of the leading clubs in Barbados and he also played for U19 Barbados team, hence, her interest in cricket arose from their only. 

When Hayley was young, she used to play with boys and that really helped her in improving her fielding and batting. She often used to captain the men's team as well. In fact, she captained the Men's First Division Team when she was 18. 

International career of Hayley Matthews 

Hayley Matthew made her T20I debut on 27 September, 2014 and ODI debut on 11 November, 2014. She is a crucial member of the national squad. 

Her playing style is simple, she knows how to attack with her powerful punches and she knows how to dominate the game with her top hand in batting. While bowling too, she can be economical and wicket taker too, depending on the situation.

She is a regular member in the national team. In July 2022, she captained Barbados team in 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. Later, In June 2022, she was declared as captain of the West Indies Women’s Cricket Team.  

So far, the biggest achievement in her career was when she won 2016 ICC Women’s World T20 Tournament.  

International stats of Hayley Matthews 

International centuries of Hayley Matthews 

Hayley Matthews in franchise cricket 

Heayley Matthews is a prominent name in franchise cricket as well. In WPL, she plays for Mumbai Indians and is one of the core members of the team. She was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’ and ‘Purple cap’ in the inaugural season as well. 

In WBBL, she used to play for Hobart Hurricanes initially, but in the 2022 season, she was picked by Melbourne Renegades. In CPL, she is captain of Barbados Royals. Her record is pretty good in this league as well. Lastly, in The Hundred, she is signed by Welsh Fire. Her playing style is very suitable for shorter formats and that is one of the reasons for Hayley's success in almost every franchise league.