Laura Wolvaardt Appointed Captain for South Africa Across All Formats

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:40:34 GMT

In a recent announcement on Friday (November 24), Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed that Laura Wolvaardt has been named the captain for South Africa Women’s cricket team in all three formats. The 24-year-old assumed leadership during successful home series against Pakistan and New Zealand, both of which South Africa clinched with a 2-1 victory.

Wolvaardt, with an impressive international record of 86 ODIs, 59 T20Is, and one Test, totaling close to 5000 runs, has secured the captaincy on a full-time basis. The right-handed batter boasts four centuries and 39 fifties.

However, Wolvaardt initial tenure as skipper will be without the talents of Ayabonga Khaka (knee injury), Chloe Tyron (groin), and Nadine de Klerk (side strain). The South African squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on December 3 in Benoni, includes two uncapped players, Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx. Marizanne Kapp, rested for the T20I series, will return for the three ODIs, part of the Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25.

Laura Wolvaardt Assumes Captaincy Across All Formats for Proteas Women

Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, expressed excitement about Wolvaardt captaincy, emphasizing the blend of youth and experience in the squad. Du Preez also highlighted the opportunity for young players during the upcoming tour, acknowledging the importance of succession planning and performance in the lead-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Head coach Hilton Moreeng emphasized the continuation of positive momentum and the intention to blend in young talent during the T20Is against Bangladesh. Moreeng acknowledged the challenge posed by the opposition, coming off a successful tour against Pakistan. He expressed confidence in the growing strength of the squad and the ongoing development of young players.

The T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh includes Laura Wolvaardt (c), 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, and Delmi Tucker.