Despite a 6-0 series sweep on their tour of England, West Indies women’s head coach Shane Deitz continues to focus on the long game, as he views the tough outing as an essential step in a larger rebuilding process that will see the team gearing up for a packed calendar in 2026.

Reflecting on the tour, which ended with a nine-wicket defeat in the final ODI at County Ground in Somerset on Saturday, Deitz spoke of growth, opportunity, and the importance of what happens off the field in the coming months.

“Great opportunity and a learning experience for the new players we are introducing. We had a chance to bring some players in, and that is what we are shooting for. I think, really, our sort of season, so to speak, begins in February next year; it will be a busy year for us. We have 15 ODIs, World Cup qualification, a Test match, and a World Cup," Deitz shared.

"So we are applying the rebuild situation now, and we have another eight months to really work hard. What we do for the next eight months off the playing field is going to be key to our performance next year," he added.

Chinelle Henry expected to return for South Africa series.

While the results were disappointing, with England’s depth and polish on full display, Deitz said the tour served its purpose—giving younger players invaluable experience and helping the coaching staff assess exactly what the team needs to progress.

“We had nothing to lose; we just wanted to go out and compete and review the individuals and see how we can get better. So all we could do on a tour like this is get better every day, and a lot of players have done that. Now we focus on developing their skills and their lives off the field as professional cricketers," Deitz said.

A major emphasis moving forward will be intensive skill development and building mental and physical resilience, both of which Deitz considers critical factors if the West Indies are to close the gap on the world’s top teams.

“I rarely get much time to work with players one-on-one as head coach, and that is what we are going to try to do; get everyone together and really work on their skill set. Our skills, especially for the younger ones, have to improve to be world-class. We need world-class players to beat world-class teams," the Australian declared.

Jannillea Glasgow among those that gained experience from the England tour.

That said, Deitz outlined a comprehensive plan that includes practice games, tactical training, and a strength and conditioning push during the extended off-field window.

"Intense skill development period, develop some tactical expertise, and definitely a lot of strength and conditioning so we can be more consistent. That’s it. That’s how we will be able to compete with the best," he noted.

When asked if the heavy defeats could have a lingering mental impact, Deitz remained optimistic.

"No, I think the girls have a pretty good understanding of where we are at. A couple of them made their debut, and they’re just happy to be out there learning their craft. We know bigger things are to come in 2026, and we are focused on getting better and ready to take on the world," the coach stated.

Hayley Matthews could make a return from a shoulder injury for the South Africa series.

With the team returning home to face South Africa in three ODIs starting on Wednesday, Deitz revealed that they could get a boost with the return of two of their experienced stars for the upcoming series.

"Chinelle [Henry] will be back, and Hayley [Matthews] will be managed through that so they will both be able to contribute. Deandra [Dottin] is out a bit longer until she is fully fit, but that’s OK. Chinelle will be very much welcomed back; she’s been a big improver over the last few months, especially in T20 cricket. We are looking forward to having her back for sure," Deitz ended.