WPL 2025 – Chinelle Henry Geared Up to Fill In for Alyssa Healy at UP Warriorz

Henry, a strong middle-order batter from the West Indies and a capable fast bowler, was called up last minute to replace Healy, the Australian captain currently sidelined due to a foot stress injury. With her first game on the horizon, Henry is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

“This is an immensely significant opportunity for me,” Henry shared during an appearance on ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast. “My previous involvement in franchise cricket was limited to the CPL, so being part of one of the top franchises in women’s cricket, the WPL, marks a pivotal moment in my career. My hope is that next year, I can secure a permanent spot in the team for the next WPL edition—this year feels like a trial run for me.”

“Stepping in as a replacement brings a lot of responsibilities and expectations. Playing alongside some of the best players in the world will be fantastic. This year will be filled with learning experiences, and I aim to perform when needed, as that’s the reason I’m here. Clearly, they saw potential in me. While it’s unfortunate that Healy got injured, being her replacement is truly an honor.”

Looking back to December reveals why UP Warriorz turned to Henry when Healy was ruled out due to the recurring injury she faced since the last T20 World Cup.

“We can’t dwell on past successes, like winning the 2016 T20 World Cup. Teams are evolving, players are improving, and we know we must elevate our game.”

Chinelle Henry

“There’s been a lot of talk about my recent form, and I definitely want to maintain that, especially since the pressure in the WPL is unlike any other,” Henry explained. “Initially, I was a bit nervous being here, but after adjusting to the atmosphere and getting to know the team better, I feel more confident. It’s about retaining that confidence and freedom, knowing I have the support of my coaches and teammates.”

The West Indies will need to harness all these elements when they compete in April against five other teams for just two qualifying spots at this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

“When it comes to the West Indies, we always aim for the grand stages and top competitions—they define our aspirations,” Henry stated. “We’re trying to approach the longer format with the same energy and confidence we bring to T20 matches. We all must take more personal and team responsibility to avoid having to go through qualifiers, and this is the path we need to follow.”

“We once won the T20 World Cup, and the ODI World Cup is certainly a topic of discussion. We don’t wish to continuously live in the past. Teams are evolving, and we must improve, so it’s essential to focus on how we can grow in the longer version of the game.”

Moreover, the West Indies are set to return to Test cricket for the first time in a generation in 2026, hosting Australia after last playing the format in 2003-04.

“The World Cup was a positive experience for us and showcased our achievements,” she noted. “Defeating England, one of the world’s best, was a significant accomplishment for us. While we missed out on the final, I felt pride in our team’s performance. It will be a challenge playing against them in England, especially since they’ll likely want to avenge their defeat during the T20 World Cup, but we understand what it takes to beat teams ranked higher than us. We know the individual and team effort required, and there are many lessons from the World Cup that we can carry into the upcoming series against them in May. They will come out ready to fight, so we must be prepared and respond effectively to any pressure that arises.”