ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Flamboyant all-rounder Deandra Dottin is poised for a return to West Indies colours after being named in a 21-member training squad for a pre-ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup camp next month.
The 28-year-old has not played in 11 months after picking up a shoulder injury which required surgery, and which kept her out of the Caribbean side’s major assignments throughout the year.
She proved her fitness in the T20 Grand Slam in Trinidad earlier this month, leaving the selection panel with the easy task of including her in the January 6-26 camp.
Dottin will be joined by captain Stafanie Taylor, along with the fast bowling duo of Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell, all of whom have recovered from recent injuries.
“The panel has selected a squad showing a mix of youth and experience in preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” women’s chief selector, Ann Browne-John, said.
“The recently concluded women’s franchise tournament in Trinidad also gave the panel an opportunity to view the players in a T20 setting just prior to the World Cup.”
She added: “Deandra Dottin seemed to return right where she left off before her injury and had remarkable performances from the first match.
“Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman are also returning from injury and the panel hopes that by the time the final selection is to be made for the World Cup, all players will be fit and ready.”
Dottin is a key element of the West Indies side, having played over 100 matches in both white ball formats. Her presence was especially glaring as West Indies lost eight of nine One-Day Internationals this year including 3-0 whitewashes to powerhouses England and Australia.
West Indies Women also lost nine of 14 T20s, including clean sweeps at the hands of Australia and India.
There are no surprises in the training group which includes the likes of uncapped left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz, all-rounder Cherry Ann Fraser and medium pacer Caneisha Isaac.
The Women’s T20 World Cup runs from February 21 and March 8.
SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shamilia Connell, Hayley Matthews, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shakera Selman, Sheneta Grimmond, Kaysia Schultz, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Natasha McLean, Chedean Nation, Shawnisha Hector, Anisa Mohammed, Lee Ann Kirby, Karishma Ramharack, Caneisha Isaac, Britney
