Dottin

West Indies pay tribute to star all-rounder after shock retirement

Dottin

Dottin took to social media just hours after playing in Barbados' nine-wicket loss to eventual gold medallists Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last week, with the 31-year-old citing concerns over team culture as part of her snap decision to retire.

The star all-rounder indicated in her statement addressed to Cricket West Indies on Twitter that 'the current climate and team environment has been non-conductive to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion' and the retirement news seemingly caught team hierarchy by surprise.

The Caribbean side waited more than a week to send their well-wishes to Dottin with Walsh paying tribute to the second-highest run-scorer for the West Indies in both women's ODIs and T20Is in a statement on Monday.

"Deandra is one of the most athletic and dynamic players in the history of women’s cricket and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate her on what has been 14 years of performance excellence for the West Indies,” Walsh said.

"During my time as head coach I have been able to see her brilliance up close on the field, and she always gave it everything."

Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams echoed Walsh's sentiments.

"On behalf of all here at CWI, I want to congratulate Deandra on what has been an outstanding career covering almost a decade-and-a-half, during which time she has contributed immensely to Barbados and West Indies cricket,” Adams noted.

"Her outstanding achievements on the field of play are a testament to her dedication, commitment and hard work which were the hallmark of her approach to the game.

"We wish her all the success possible in her future endeavours."

Dottin played in more than 260 internationals across the two white-ball formats for the West Indies, making in excess of 6000 runs and taking over 130 wickets while often performing some amazing feats in the field.

Her athletic catch to remove England's Lauren Winfield-Hill with a full stretch dive to her left at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year was world class, while she also held on to a difficult chance to dismiss South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt at the same tournament.

Dottin also played a pivotal role in helping West Indies win the T20 World Cup in India in 2016, with her 18* and two-wicket haul in the final against Australia guiding the Caribbean side to glory.

While Dottin has retired from international cricket, the right-hander has indicated she will continue to ply her trade in domestic T20 leagues around the world.