Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially appointed Laura Wolvaardt as the full-time captain for the South Africa Women’s cricket team across all three formats.
Wolvaardt, who previously served as the interim skipper during the successful series against Pakistan and New Zealand, will now lead the Proteas in the upcoming home T20I and ODI series against Bangladesh from December 3 to 23.
The 24-year-old’s impressive leadership during the interim period, coupled with her stellar batting performances, paved the way for her permanent captaincy.
With 3421 ODI runs at an average of 45.61 and 1313 T20I runs at an average of 32.82, Wolvaardt brings a formidable combination of skill and experience to the captain’s role.
The T20I squad will see a mix of youth and experience, with Wolvaardt at the forefront. Notable inclusions are uncapped players Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx. Marizanne Kapp, a seasoned player, will be rested for the T20Is but is set to return for the ODI leg of the series.
Unfortunately, some centrally contracted players, including Ayabonga Khaka, Chloè Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk, will miss the T20I squad due to injuries.
Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s Women Convenor of Selectors, expressed confidence in the succession plan, emphasizing the blend of youth and experience.
Hilton Moreeng, the head coach of South Africa Women’s team, is optimistic about the upcoming challenges against Bangladesh.
He sees the T20Is as an opportunity to integrate young talents and build a stronger squad for future competitions, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year.
The schedule for the Bangladesh tour includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20 International Series kicks off on December 3 at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, followed by matches at Kimberley Oval on December 6 and 8.
The One-Day International Series under the ICC Women’s Championship will commence on December 16 at Buffalo Park, East London, followed by matches at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, on December 20 and Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on December 23. All ODIs start at 2 PM SAST, while the second and third T20Is commence at 6 PM SAST.