(Image Source: CSA)
[Saba Sports News] Laura Wolvaardt has been named the official all-formats captain of South Africa Women’s cricket team, and concurrently, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled a 15-member T20I squad for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh next month.
At 24 years old, Wolvaardt assumes the leadership role after her effective tenure as the interim captain in the recent series against Pakistan and New Zealand, both ending in South Africa’s favor with 2-1 victories. Her cricketing prowess is evident in her record of 86 ODIs and 59 T20Is, where she has accumulated 3421 and 1313 runs respectively, including numerous half-centuries and centuries. Her Test debut was marked during South Africa’s tour of England last year.
However, Wolvaardt’s debut series as the full-time captain will see the absence of key players due to injuries, including fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka and all-rounders Chloe Tyron and Nadine de Klerk. Additionally, experienced allrounder Marizanne Kapp will be rested for the T20Is but is set to return for the subsequent ODI series, which is part of the Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25.
Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, expressed confidence in Wolvaardt’s leadership, highlighting the blend of experienced and emerging players in the team. The upcoming series is seen as a platform for young players to demonstrate their skills, particularly in preparation for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Notably, the inclusion of Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx has been lauded for their commendable domestic performances.
Head coach Hilton Moreeng emphasized the importance of continuing the team’s progress and the opportunity to integrate young talent during the T20I series against Bangladesh. With a focus on nurturing the growing talent pool, the team is poised to strengthen and face increasingly challenging competitions.
The announced T20I squad comprises 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, and captain Laura Wolvaardt.