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Tazmin Brits, the opening batter for South Africa, is expected to make a comeback on the international scene following her meniscus rupture and damaged ligament on her left knee in April. In order to ascertain how much of a role she would play in the three ODIs and the one-off Test, Brits, who have been named in the ODI and Test squads to play India next month, will have her fitness evaluated before the team leaves.
Brits had suffered the injury against Sri Lanka on April 9, the same day that she hit her second ODI century of the year. The following week, she had surgery. She is currently recovering according to plan and should be ready to play by the end of May. While South Africa have not yet named their T20I squad for the tour, her participation in that series will be most crucial, with October’s T20 World Cup in mind.
In addition to wicketkeeper Meike De Ridder, who was sidelined during the Sri Lankan series due to a hand injury, all-arounder Nondumiso Shangase, an off-pitch bowler, has been brought back to the team. For a South African team that will be without Chloe Tryon’s experience due to a recurrence of her back injury, those additions are a huge help. She has struggled with the issue since 2020, and as a result, she has frequently missed cricket matches. However, she is hoping to be well in time for the T20 World Cup.
All-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Marizanne Kapp, skipper Laura Wolvaardt, and bowling attack spearheaded by Ayabonga Khaka’s seam and Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spin make up the remainder of South Africa’s squad. The only uncapped players in both the ODI and Test formats are De Ridder and Annerie Dercksen, who has played seven Twenty20 Internationals, while Shangase and Eliz-Mari Marx are expected to make their Test debuts.
South Africa will play its third Test in the past two years when it travels to Chennai from June 28 to July 1. The country will also play its second-to-last series of the Women’s Championship, which determines South Africa’s qualification for the 2025 World Cup, this summer at home against England. South Africa is one point behind England in third place on the points table. The top five teams, together with the host nation of India, will automatically qualify for the tournament, with a qualification to determine the final two spots.
After more than 11 years in the position, longtime coach Hilton Moreeng decided not to continue, and South Africa will be playing its first series without him. The trip of India will mark that decision. Dillon du Preez, an interim coach, will assume leadership in India, and before to the T20 World Cup, South Africa is anticipated to announce the appointment of a permanent head coach.