It’s good to be regarded among the best in the world – Taylor

West Indies and Jamaica women's captain Stafanie Taylor was all smiles recently as she was presented with her caps after being named, along with two other West Indians, by the International Cricket Council (ICC) among a group of elite performers for the last decade.

Taylor, the inspirational leader, was named on both the ICC's Women's ODI and T20 Teams of the Decade. Joining Taylor on the lists are Anisa Mohammed, the highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, and Deandra Dottin, the first woman to score two T20 centuries.

The right-handed Taylor has been a consummate performer for the regional side in all formats as she is the highest run scorer in the history of women's cricket in the region. She is also the second-highest T20 runs scorer and fifth-highest in the ODI format in the history of the sport.

Hard work and dedication

For Taylor, being named amongst the best in the women's game brings a lot of satisfaction for all the hard work and dedication that she has put in over the years.

"I was elated to be selected on both the ODI and T20 teams. To know that I'm regarded among the best in the world, it's a really good feeling to know that all the work over the last decade has paid off and is recognized," said Taylor.

Mohammed who was the first cricketer, male or female to take 100 wickets in T20 and remains the leading wicket taker in that format, says she is glad that her contribution to the sport was being recognized.

"It's not every day you get selected for such an award and to be one of two players from the West Indies to be in the ODI Team of the Decade. I think it's a tremendous achievement and I'm extremely happy," said Mohammed.

Dottin, who became the first woman to hit 100 sixes in T20 and also scored the fastest ton against South Africa in St Kitts back in 2010, was beaming with pride following her achievement.

"I felt really proud of myself because I came from a long way; making my debut in 2008, putting in the hard work, and at the end of 2020 to be selected as a Player of the Decade is showing that the hard work is paying off," said Dottin.

All three players are currently involved in a training camp in Antigua as the West Indies prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and other international engagements.