Deandra Dottin comes out of retirement for Windies women

BAJAN all-rounder Deandra Dottin has come out of international retirement and is now available for future selection to the West Indies women’s team.

This was announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on July 27.

Dottin, 33, retired from the maroon outfit in August 2022 after saying “the current climate and team environment has been non-conducive to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion”.

However, she has opted to reverse her decision “after a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within CWI”, including its president 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,” the statement read.

She believes her experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past, and is “prepared to furnish my best efforts in every match and training session to ensure the team’s winning trajectory in international cricket.”

The right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler said she is also enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women's cricket in the region.

CWI director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, welcomed Dottin's return, acknowledging her talent and potential impact on the team.

“Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience. 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,” he said.

Dottin will lead the Trinbago Knight Riders women’s team for the third consecutive year in the upcoming Women’s Caribbean Premier League tournament. She last played for West Indies in 2022.

She has 270 international matches across ODI and T20I. In 2010, she scored the first Women’s T20I century. In June, Marylebone Cricket Club awarded Dottin an honorary life membership.

West Indies women will have a camp in August. The players will also be engaged in the WCPL next month. The next international assignment will be the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh from October 2-19.