Jacqueline Williams set to become first West Indian female umpire to stand in men's T20I between full member teams

Umpire Jacqueline Williams will create history on Thursday when West Indies take on England in the second T20I in Grenada. The 47-year-old will become the first West Indian female umpire to stand in a men’s T20I between two full member teams.  “It is like a dream come true. It’s a good feeling to be the first, but I hope I won’t be the last,” Jacqueline told CWI Media. “I’m truly honored to be given this amazing opportunity and I want to make sure I give my best when I take the field on Thursday. It is obvious that from what I have done so far in my career this would be a testimony to my work. “Standing in full-member matches is something major for me. I don’t want to downplay the other international matches I officiated in before because that helped to prepare me for this. I am fully prepared," she added. Jacqueline hoped that this would encourage more females to take up cricket as a profession, in both the capacity of a player as well as match officials. “I am hoping that by virtue of other young females watching matches and seeing me in the middle as an umpire, it would inspire them to participate in cricket as players and as match officials. I am happy for the strides I have made so far, and I will always do my best so that those looking on will have someone to emulate." Gregory Brathwaite, an experienced umpire from Barbados, will partner Jacqueline on the field while Leslie Reifer Jr will officiate as the third umpire. Patrick Gustard has been announced as the fourth umpire. Former West Indies skipper Richie Richardson has been announced as the match referee. West Indies rode on an all-round show from Andre Russell (3/19 and 29*) to beat England by four wickets in the first T20I on Tuesday.