ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – All-rounder Deandra Dottin announced her return to international cricket on Saturday as abruptly as she announced her retirement two years ago.
In a joint statement released by Cricket West Indies, the 33-year-old Barbadian said she had decided to come to a decision following “a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue,” including with CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow.
“Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me,” Dottin said.
“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.”
She continued: “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.”
Almost exactly two years ago, Dottin suddenly quit international cricket, pointing to “the current climate and team environment” as “non-conducive to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.”
Dottin, one of the world’s leading players at the time, said she had come to a decision “with much sadness but without regret” after realizing she was no longer able to “adhere to team culture and team environment as it has undermined my ability to perform excellently.”
She is one of the second most experienced West Indies Women’s players with a combined 270 white-ball games – only behind former captain Stafanie Taylor.
An aggressive top and middle order batsman, Dottin has plundered 3 727 runs in One-Day Internationals with three hundred and an average of 30 and has belted two hundred in T20 Internationals in gathering 2 697 runs.
Dottin has taken 134 wickets across both white-ball formats as a sharp medium pacer.
“Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience,” said CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.
“We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection. Undoubtedly, she could add significant value to the West Indies Women’s teams.”
West Indies’ next assignment is the Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh next October.
Dottin has not played competitive cricket in almost a year, but her last stint was when she led Trinbago Knight Riders in last season’s Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
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