LEICESTER, England, CMC – Seasoned campaigner Deandra Dottin is intent on using her third ICC Women’s World Cup to make a big statement, by helping West Indies back to the final of the competition.
In her last outing four years ago in India, she managed over 200 runs and two half-centuries and she helped propel West Indies into the final where they lost to Australia and once again sees her role as critical in the team’s success.
“This is my third World Cup and I’m looking forward to this World Cup,” said the 26-year-old, an aggressive right-hander who also bowls penetrative medium pace.
“I’m expecting good things of myself and as well as the team, to take the team as far as I can take it, which is as far as the final. I’ve set some high standards for myself and I mark myself really hard.”
Dottin has shaped up fairly well on the tour so far with decent scores, including a typically blustery 32 against Pakistan Women in the opening official warm-up match here Tuesday.
And while several of her teammates have struggled to adapt to the English conditions, Dottin said having played here in the past had put her in good stead.
“The pitch conditions they are quite different to the Caribbean but I’ve adapted and I’ve been working very hard on my batting and stuff so I think I’ve got it all covered,” the Barbadian explained.
“I’ve played here before as well and in England there are very good batting pitches.”
Four years ago, it was Dottin’s exciting half-century which helped the Windies shock Australia Women in the Super Six stage and book their spot in the final against the same Aussies.
Since then, she has continued to pit her talents against the top sides in the world and said the upcoming June 24 to July 23 tournament would be no different. “I’m looking forward to playing against Australia [and] England,” she noted.
“They are the like the teams in the World Cup to beat. I’m really looking forward to playing them because I like a challenge playing against the Meg Lannings, the Ellyse Perrys and Katherine Brunt and those players.”
Dottin will meet Lanning, the Aussie captain and opener, along with right-arm seamer Perry, in West Indies’ opening game of the World Cup next Monday in Taunton.
Brunt, a fast bowler, is expected to feature when West Indies take on hosts England in their final match in Bristol on July 15.
