Thursday 11 February 2016 17:47, UK
Almost a decade after making her debut against India at Lord's, England's Sarah Taylor is set to win her 100th ODI cap against South Africa on Friday.
I caught up with the Sussex wicketkeeper-batsman in Potchefstroom to reminisce over some of her career highlights so far…
My debut, beating India Women by 100 runs, 14 August 2006 - Lord's
I remember my first catch so clearly. Sulakshana Naik skied one off Katherine Brunt and I ran around, got under it and then juggled it before taking it; I had my back to most of the team so most of them thought it went straight in! It was a good job, too, as I was terrified Katherine would yell at me! I only found out the night before that I was 'keeping and I was so nervous, which was really unusual for me back then. Watching Claire Taylor score 156no before we went out to field helped calm me down a lot.
The 268-run stand against South Africa Women, 8 August 2008 - Lord's
Caroline Atkins (145) was phenomenal that day. We'd batted together for many years at Sussex and normally I was the aggressor while she consolidated, but on this occasion my innings (129) didn't come close to hers! I've never seen her hit the ball as well as she did that day and I was happy just to stick around and enjoy it. Everything went perfectly - we ran well, timed the ball and found the boundary at the right time. The fact it happened at Lord's made it extra special.
My fifth 100, off 108 balls v West Indies, 3 November 2013 - Port of Spain
I've developed a bit of a reputation for being a flat-track batsman but the wicket in Trinidad was really tough - it was slow, low and turning so to score a hundred meant a lot, especially as we ended up winning the game. It was one of my best hundreds because I had to graft hard as wickets fell at the other end and then just go for it at the end of the innings. Normally I'd just try to hit my way out of trouble but on that occasion I had to accept it was going to be a low-scoring game.
My unforgettable year, 2009
The entire year was special - we won the 50-over World Cup in Australia and then the T20 World Cup in the final at Lord's. That ODI win was the culmination of four years' hard work for the girls and it was a very emotional time - a lot of the team were exhausted come the end, partly because we made really hard work of the final. Chasing 167 we were cruising it but then lost a few wickets before Holly Colvin hit the winning runs. It was pure elation when she did - I remember running out on to the pitch to celebrate. It still gives me goose-bumps just talking about it.
Catching Australia's Jodie Fields, third Ashes ODI, 25 August 2013 - Hove
I only realised how far I'd dived when I saw the pictures after the game! I've always thought that if the ball is on the stumps and a batsman shapes up to paddle or reverse it then they're in trouble if they miss, so I can hedge my bets and try to get across and cut off the shot. I'd done it once before in a game, actually - catching Beth Morgan. It relies on pure reaction speed and this catch was definitely all in the moment.
On playing my 100th ODI…
I don't think it's going to hit me until the day. Playing for my country means so much, so to reach such a milestone and share so many memories with team-mates over the last 10 years is very special. The girls have been brilliant about it and I feel very lucky that all of the hard work and effort I've put in has brought me to this point. It's just insane! I so want to get there and I wish the first ODI was my 100th not my 99th!
Follow England Women's three-match ODI series against South Africa on Sky Sports digital media then watch England Women's T20I series against South Africa, live on Sky Sports from Friday 19 February.
