Australia give West Indies a blunt reality check and reasons to look deeper within

Merit is rarely born in isolation. On Tuesday, Hayley Matthews walked a very thin line between offering the blunt truth and an excuse.

"A lot of the time (we) tend to be competing against teams like Australia, who realistically, based on systems and opportunities, we're not supposed to beat them," she said.

Matthews' confession came after West Indies were knocked out of the T20 World Cup semifinal by Australia. A good start notwithstanding, West Indies were never really in the contest, posting 125 before Australia chased it down with seven overs to spare.

It wasn't a surprise. Australia played like overwhelming favourites, bowling tight lines and not allowing West Indies to break away. Three victories to start the campaign were followed by three losses.

Matthews wants her team to leave with heads held high.

"A tournament like this, a lot of other players were able to play a role. When our players come from our regional competition, they're not nearly ready for international cricket ever. That's why players like myself, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin are so integral in helping them grow.

"Things used to look a lot different. If I had the form that I did with the bat and Deandra Dottin did, we would not be in a semifinal right now. I think we can take a lot of pride knowing that we were still able to get over the line in a lot of games."

Senior trio's contributions since 2023 (55 T20Is):

The trio scored 48.8% of all runs in this phase. This period also saw Taylor's batting decline and reduced bowling workload, while Dottin briefly retired.

Matthews calls herself an anomaly who got to train with boys growing up.

"It could be tiring with pressure on me, but I don't think it's the fault of players coming up. They try really hard. If we want to stop seeing dependence on players like myself, it starts from the ground up – having programs for young girls to learn cricket from a young age and not just be anomalies like myself or Deandra."

Matthews says the issue isn't about creating another Hayley or Deandra, but keeping a system where such players aren't anomalies.

"It's a Cricket West Indies problem, a money problem. A team like Australia will always be better off at putting pathway programs in place. When you're struggling for money, it shows up at levels like this. Our girls have to fight a lot just to be competing at this level."

Matthews believes the disparity in funding is now reflecting in performances, widening the gulf between haves and have-nots.

"The reason we were so successful in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 is because women's cricket was based on pure talent then. The minute investment came into the picture, the gap widened. Hopefully conversations like this can make a difference."

While franchise cricket has opened earning opportunities, Matthews maintains playing for West Indies keeps her passion alive.

"I want to still play for West Indies. I've seen so many young girls in the Caribbean want to play cricket because of me. Knowing I have that influence in a region where women's sports probably isn't represented massively, hopefully I can inspire more young ladies to take up the game."

Australia have reached another World Cup final dominantly – a testimony to their players and systems. For West Indies' loss, Matthews suggests the story extends far beyond the match itself.

Is it the blunt truth or just an excuse? Take your pick.