Proteas Women ‘big dawg’ Annerie Dercksen eager to shine with the bat in Windies T20 series

Proteas Women big hitting all-rounder Annerie Dercksen looked eager to sink her teeth a little into the West Indies in the upcoming T20 series.

Dercksen is coming off a somewhat dull ODI series, having not enjoyed the same level of success with the bat as she did in Sri Lanka. 

But the conditions in the Caribbean were something different entirely, and so too, the situations she batted in.

Dercksen scored her maiden century against Sri Lanka in the final game of the tri-series last month, but said she had to play a more high-risk style of batting against the Windies.

 Regardless, the Proteas claimed the ODI series 2-1, with a comfortable 166-run victory via the DLS method in the deciding match this week.

The 24-year-old’s bowling has been sharp during the ODI series, however, taking two wickets in five balls on Tuesday. 

With the series now behind her, Dercksen looked eager to get back on the field and make some contributions with the bat, hopefully on the same level as her final game against Sri Lanka last month – when she scored her maiden century. 

“Looking back on Sri Lanka, this was probably a lower scoring series compared to then,” Dercksen said.

“I think during this tour, our top and middle-order really took control of the innings, and that middle-over period.

“We sort of have to come in and finish off games. That naturally means you play a more high-risk game. 

“The conditions here favour the bowling side a bit as well.

“The pitch slows down quite a bit, but cricket is a funny game. You just need a couple things to go your way, and you’re right back in it.”

With the ODI series behind her, the 24-year-old looked eager to smack a couple of sixes for dinner during the press conference yesterday.

She said the experience she has batting both up and lower down the order favours her going into the T20 series. 

It’s not certain yet what number she will appear in the order, but coach Mandla Mashimbiyi labelled her, as well as Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, as their “big hitters”. 

Ideally, in the T20 format, you would want your big hitters spread out throughout the innings to keep the momentum alive and well for 20 overs.

“I just like batting so wherever Coach Mandla sees me is fine. In provincial cricket, I batted up the order, and then internationally, I bat lower down,” Dercksen explained.

“I enjoy both those roles because with the new ball, it’s a little harder, and there are only two fielders out of the ring.

“Then at the back, you have freedom to swing, so I’m just keen to do what the team needs me to do.”