Experienced campaigner Deandra Dottin who holds the record for fastest century in women's T20Is has come out of retirement and made herself available for selection ahead of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Two years after her shocking decision to retire while leading Barbados in 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 33-year-old is set to join West Indies' camp in August to prepare for T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October this year.
"Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me," Dottin wrote in a letter to Cricket West Indies. "After a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, I am pleased to inform you that I am eager to return to the game that I love, and contribute my utmost to the West Indies women's team across all formats, with immediate effect."
"I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past, and I am prepared to furnish my best efforts in every match and training session to ensure the team's winning trajectory in international cricket. Moreover, I am enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women's cricket in our region," she added.
CWI welcomed Dottin's U-turn on retirement as they believe that she is a valuable addition to the team.
"Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience," CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said. "We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection. There is no doubt that she could add significant value to the West Indies Women's teams."
Dottin to gear up for T20 World Cup with WCPL
Before the T20 World Cup which will be played in Bangladesh, Dottin will lead Trinbago Knight Riders in Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024 starting August 21.
Dottin’s T20I numbers
Dottin is West Indies' second-highest run-scorer in T20Is. She has 2,697 runs from 127 games at an average of 25.68 including two centuries and 12 fifties. She is lethal with the ball as well taking 62 wickets at an average of 19.19. Her record-breaking 38-ball century came against South Africa in the 2010 edition of T20 World Cup.
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