JOHANNESBURG: All-rounder Annerie Dercksen reflects on becoming the first Proteas Women player to be named the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year this past Sunday while directing praise to all those who helped her along the way.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a fruitful year in the Green and Gold after cementing her place in the national team across all formats.
After making her One-Day International (ODI) and Test debut against India earlier in the year, the imposing but ever-smiling Dercksen, who hails from Beaufort-West, featured in 17 T20 Internationals (T20I), four ODIs and two Test matches in 2024, taking 11 wickets and amassing 291 runs.
Following a career-high T20I score of 44 not out against Pakistan in Karachi, Dercksen also played an important role in the Proteas’ journey to a second consecutive ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in the United Arab Emirates, providing crucial middle-order runs while contributing with the ball.
“I am not one for personal awards or recognition but it’s a great honour and I am truly humbled by this recognition. It’s probably more a reflection of the hard work and support from my teammates and coaches. I’m grateful and very motivated to continue growing and improving,” Dercksen commented.
“This year has been filled with unforgettable moments, from my ODI and Test debut in India to the unbelievable experience of reaching the World Cup final. Although we didn’t win, that journey remains close to my heart and one of the highlights of my career,”
Through her impressive performances domestically and for the SA Emerging side, the Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers star was thrust into the national set-up in January 2023 on the eve of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, making her T20I against the West Indies in a tri-series featuring India and in which the Proteas were victorious.
She was then subsequently named in the World Cup squad, playing a supportive role as part of the 15-player group that reached their maiden final.
“It genuinely feels like I’m living a dream. I still have the same excitement as when I was a 5-year-old playing in the backyard, but now I’m playing alongside and against all my heroes. Being part of this team has been an astonishing experience,”
“Looking back, I feel this year has been full of personal growth and learning opportunities. When I reflect, in some ways I almost don’t recognise the player I was a year ago. I know there’s still plenty of room for improvement, and I’m eager to continue putting in the work,” Dercksen continued.
“Above all, all praise, honour, and glory belong to God,” she noted. “I’m deeply thankful to my teammates, who have welcomed me with open arms and shared invaluable guidance.
“Thank you to the entire Proteas Women management for their continuous support and mentorship. I also appreciate every coach who has worked with me—whether by throwing balls until their arms fell off or by simply having a quick chat over a cup of coffee.
“Lastly, I’m forever grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support.
Source: cricket.co.za
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