There comes a major update from Cricket South Africa! The board has appointed Laura Wolvaardt as Captain in all formats of cricket with immediate effect. CSA made the announcement while announcing the 15-member T20I Squad for Bangladesh white ball series which is all set to begin next month.
Wolvaardt has a successful stint as Interim Captain during South Africa’s recent home series against Pakistan & New Zealand which the Proteas Women won by a 2-1 score. Till now Wolvaardt has played 86 ODIs & 59 T20Is for South Africa amassing 3421 runs with 30 fifties & four centuries in 50 overs format & 1313 runs at an average of 32.82 with nine fifties in the T20I format. Wolvaardt made her Test debut for South Africa during their England tour in 2022.
However, Laura Wolvaardt’s first series in charge as full-time Captain will see few notable absentees. Among the centrally contracted players fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka (knee injury) and all-rounders Chloe Tyron (groin) and Nadine de Klerk (side strain) will miss the T20I series.
Adding to South Africa’s woes is the fact that veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been rested for the T20Is and will return for the crucial ODI series that is a part of the Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25. The team for the ODI series beginning in East London on December 16, will be announced in due course.
What did Du Preez say about Wolvaardt’s appointment as South Africa’s Captain?
Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, expressed happiness over the appointment of Wolvaardt as Captain of the South Africa Women’s team. He said that Preez stepping up as Captain will boost the Proteas lineup which is complemented by a mix of seasoned and youthful players. This strategic combination not only enhances the squad’s excitement but also provides valuable opportunities for emerging talents during the upcoming tour.
He further said that they are happy to provide an opportunity to prove their prowess to this young extended group of players. These opportunities came on the back of injuries that some of their renowned players have sustained. He also said that it will help them to evaluate players for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year.
Communicating about the addition of Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx, Du Preez said that it’s a positive move. He further acknowledged their pivotal roles in delivering noteworthy performances at the domestic level for their respective provinces in the past season.
Hilton Moreeng was all praise for Wolvaardt as Captain
Head coach Hilton Moreeng also shared his thoughts on Wolvaardt stepping up as Proteas Women’s Captain. He said that they are just trying to continue their good work which has performed well in the game. He further said that they need to display their A game against Bangladesh who had a successful tour against Pakistan.
Talking further Head Coach said that T20Is is a format where they aim to provide opportunities for youngsters to evaluate & bolster their growth.
“It’s another opportunity for some of these youngsters to show what they can do while not losing sight of what we want to achieve overall when it comes to the entire tour,” Head Coach Hilton concluded his statement.
South Africa will lock horns with Bangladesh Women in the T20I series followed by the ODI series. The T20I series will be played from December 3 to 8 in Benoni while the ODIs will be played from December 16 to 23 in East London, Potchefstroom & Benoni. The squad for the same will be announced ahead of the beginning of the ODI series. The ODI series will be part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
South Africa T20I Squad:
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, *Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, *Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt (C)
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