White Ferns

White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine let out a wry smile when West Indies standout Deandra Dottin announced her shock retirement from international cricket.

New Zealand will play their first ODI since their early exit at the Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil in March, in Antigua tomorrow.

Missing from the West Indies’ side will be star allrounder Dottin, the White Ferns’ tormentor in the opening game of the World Cup.

Dottin broke White Ferns’ hearts at Tauranga’s Bay Oval, capturing two wickets in the final over and effecting a run out, as New Zealand fell three runs short of victory – having needed six from Dottin’s over.

It proved a costly loss with the White Ferns missing out on the semifinals by one point.

They won’t have to worry about Dottin in the three ODI and five

T20 match series against the West Indies, with all matches played at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Dottin, 31, called time on her West Indies’ career in July, citing issues with the team culture and environment.

Dottin’s decision stunned many in the cricket world, including Devine.

‘‘I was surprised, but also very happy to not have her in the opposition.

‘‘Deandra is a massive loss for them. She’s still at the top of her game, which is sad to see her not playing international cricket any more. For us that’s a big bonus as we know how dangerous she can be.’’

Dottin won’t feature for the West Indies, but Devine was under no illusion about the challenge the hosts presented in their own backyard.

Hayley Matthews, who was outstanding at the World Cup and scored 119 in the win over the White Ferns, takes over from Stafanie Taylor as captain.

It will be New Zealand’s first ODI in six months since beating Pakistan at Hagley Oval in their final round match of the World Cup in late March.

Fresh off a Twenty20 bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and with new coach Ben Sawyer at the helm, Devine played down any thoughts of revenge against the West Indies.

Five members of their squad weren’t at the World Cup and Devine said they were focused on this series and the future, rather than revisiting old wounds.

‘‘We watched a bit of vision before and there was a few clips of

GETTY IMAGES New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, pictured in full cry at the Commonwealth Games, says the absence of West Indies star Deandra Dottin, above, is a ‘‘big bonus’’ for the White Ferns.