Aguilleira enjoying success with TT, Windies Women squads

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper/ batter have been involved with the Trinidad and Tobago team since 2005 while she has been a regular member of the West Indies squad since 2007.

In a recent interview, Aguilleira spoke about the recent Regional Women’s Super50 campaign, which saw the Trinidad and Tobago squad retain their title after defeating Barbados at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent, as well as her international career to date.

JOEL BAILEY: How was the experience like in St Vincent?

MERISSA AGUILLEIRA: I think it was really good for us.

Just going out there and knowing that we had to defend our title.

When you go into a tournament it’s always good to start off on the right foot. But we started off on the wrong foot and I think it was a step in the right direction.

Whenever you go into a tournament, there is always a bad game you play. And I was happy to know that we played our bad game (against Barbados) in the beginning. We went back to the drawing board, realised where we had (fallen) short and we went back to our training sessions and dealt with it. So I guess it was a good experience. I was really happy to know that it didn’t have any rain or nothing that could have hindered us from becoming victorious. After all, I just want to commend the players for what they have been doing and I really hope that they continue.

JB: What were the keys to success for this year’s (campaign)?

MA: I think it was just like last year. We were together, we were like a family. (There were) times where things started to slip a bit and we kept it together. I think that was the most important factor, the togetherness that we had.

JB: You have been captain of the team for a number of years (10). How do you enjoy being the leader of the team?

MA: Firstly I really want to thank God for the opportunity He has given me....the ability to lead. I always think, as a player, it’s important to make sure that you’re leading your people in the right direction. And I’ve been really working hard, not just (with) the players around me but my individual performances and myself in particular. You must be able to adjust to different situations and deal with different people. That was my challenge, dealing with certain things. I really believe that I have grown a lot and I’ve been enjoying it. I thank God for the opportunity He has given me and hopefully, with the people around me, the coaches who are consistently helping me in various areas, I can even be more instrumental to the players.

JB: You were West Indies captain for a number of years but the captaincy has changed (Stafanie Taylor is currently in charge).

How have you adapted to being simply a player on the team and how was the experience like as a West Indies captain?

MA: In light of that, I always believe that as a leader you must be able to follow as well. I was able to adapt to that, even though I was the captain for quite a long time. And then to come off the captaincy, it was not a bother for me because the most important thing for me was just representing my region and representing the people of the Caribbean.

So it wasn’t nothing (major) for me. Whenever I’m around I support the captain and I really try to give her the advice I’ve learnt throughout my experiences. I’ve been enjoying (being a regular player) because, trust me, as a captain, it’s a lot of work. So it’s always good to sit back, relax and enjoy.

JB: You’ve been the West Indies wicketkeeper for a number of years. Have there been times where you want to pass up the gloves or are you still enjoying that role?

MA: I really enjoy wicketkeeping because there are certain times when I’m not behind the stumps I feel lost on the field. I like to be in an area where I can see everything and feel like if I’m in the game. Once I’m on the field, it’s definitely wicketkeeping for me.

JB: Was wicketkeeping always something you wanted to do, in terms of cricket?

MA: Well no, that was not something I wanted to do. I was actually a bowler but my (club) coach (Winston Trumpet) wanted me to get on the national team.

He realised that the keeper was on her way out. So when we went on the trials, he told me ‘Merissa, pick up the gloves and go and see if you can get in as a keeper’. That is how it started off. It was not about I love doing it or anything like that.

JB: Which moments have stood out for you in your cricketing career?

MA: I must say winning the (T20) World Cup (in India); definitely a memorable experience for me. And then capturing the (Regional) T20 and 50-overs (titles) in Guyana last year.

JB: What does the future hold for you, cricketing-wise?

MA: Wherever God takes me.