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Feature

'I want to go for the record again'

The first woman to score a century in Twenty20s, talks about her batting style, unplayable balls, how other teams should be wary of her, and more

Cricinfo staff
09-May-2010
Deandra Dottin: "It doesn't matter who the bowler is. I just play the way I always do"  •  Getty Images

Deandra Dottin: "It doesn't matter who the bowler is. I just play the way I always do"  •  Getty Images

You came in to bat at No. 6 in the tenth over, and still went on to get a century. Do you prefer batting in your original opening slot, or are you also generally comfortable dropping down?
It doesn't really matter where I play. I am comfortable at any position.
How did you get into cricket, and how did you get noticed?
I started playing when I was 14 for my school and then my country. Then I got the opportunity to play for West Indies.
What did you have for breakfast that day before scoring that century?
Umm... a cup of apple juice and some croissants.
What's your next personal ambition?
I want to go for the record again.
What was your going through your mind during the innings?
I was just thinking that the century looked possible and aimed at that.
How scared should the other teams be of you now?
Very!
You raced to a half-century in 22 balls against Australia in last year's Twenty20. How did you develop this attacking style?
I have always played this way.
What's your favourite shot?
Straight over the bowler's head.
Do you prefer batting against spinners or quicks?
It doesn't matter who the bowler is. I just play the way I always do.
Which do you favour - finding the gaps or chipping over the in-field?
I prefer finding the gaps or hitting over the bowler's head.
Favourite ground to bat on?
I don't have a favourite ground as such, but I'd like to play at the Kensington Oval in the final.
What's an unplayable ball according to you?
For me, it would the ones I miss!
You now hold the record for the fastest century in both men's and women's cricket. Any tips for the men on how to break your record?
No, I don't. I think they know how to get there.
If not cricket, what would you be doing today?
I'd be in athlectics.
The power game is something that is not often associated with women's cricket. Your second fifty in yesterday's game came off just 13 balls. Do you think Twenty20 can lead to bigger scores and quicker rates of scoring in women's ODIs?
Yes it will definitely help increase one-day scores.
West Indies were the dominant force in the 1980s and the early 90s in the men's game. Why is it that women's cricket in the region has taken such a long time to take off?
It's just that the structure for women's cricket has only developed now. So it will take a while before we can be at the level as the top four.
West Indies women have had some impressive performances in the last year, including an ODI series win against World Champions England in November. What has been the trigger in bringing about this turnaround?
We don't always play together since we are from different countries. But when we get together, we concentrate on working hard and gelling as a side.
What did the coach tell you after you came off the field? How did you celebrate?
I got a big hug and then my family called to speak to me.