MUMBAI?– Deandra Dottin didn’t become the most powerful batter in women’s cricket by accident.
The West Indies all-rounder has been studying the approach of West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards – nicknamed “The Master Blaster” – for many years.
The strongly-built 22-year-old holds the world record for the fastest century in a Twenty20 International – by a man or woman. The amazing milestone came off just 38 balls against South Africa in 2010 during the ICC Women’s T20 Championship.
Dottin is in India preparing for the 50-over World Cup, which bowls off later this week.
She spoke of her great adoration for Sir Viv, who is one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game.
He made 8 540 runs in Tests and 6 721 in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for West Indies in an illustrious career from 1974 to 1991. He also made 36 212 runs in first-class cricket, including 114 centuries.
“When I started to follow cricket from very young, I used to love watching him [Sir Viv] on videos,” said Dottin.
“I grew up playing cricket in the road and after hearing about the great man and seeing him play, I liked his aggression.
“I would sit and study the way he moved and the way he hit the ball. It was great to see the way he played.
“I didn’t realize back then that someday I would be fortunate enough to represent the West Indies, but when I started to play I tried to do everything the way he did it.
“He’s obviously my hero in cricket and in all sports,” added Dottin, who represented Barbados in track and field and football before she made the switch to cricket.
“For me it was more than just the runs he scored. What I liked to see was the way he walked out on the pitch, how he looked out there in the middle and the way he represented West Indies,”
“He always looked in control of things. I have never seen anyone do it quite like him.
“I don’t try to copy everything, because I know I can’t bat like he did, but I looked at the way he showed his presence and tried to follow that. He had power and control.”
Dottin said she was looking to make a mark during the tournament, which will be her second 50-over World Cup. She was a member of the West Indies squad which placed fifth when the tournament was played in Australia four years ago.
“My aim is to be consistent. I have made some good scores in 50-over cricket, but I haven’t been as consistent as I should be.
“One of my goals is to score the most runs, but the overall goal is to win the tournament for West Indies,” she said.
“The pitches in India will suit the spinners and I believe our approach to spin will be crucial. Most of the teams will be coming with a lot of spinners, so the better you handle the spin the better your results will be.”
The Windies have a strong slow bowling attack, headed by experienced off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, who at age 24 is preparing for her third World Cup. She is the leading bowler in West Indies history with 89 wickets at 15.30 each in 59 ODIs.
Mohammed is backed up by leg-spinner Shaquana Quintyne, left-arm spinner Shanel Daley and the off-spin of opener Stafanie Taylor. (PR/EZS)
