Cricket South Africa has unveiled their ODI and Test squads for the highly anticipated tour of India, set to begin on June 16. Laura Wolvaardt has been appointed to lead both the ODI and Test teams.
The Proteas have received a significant boost with the return of experienced all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase and wicket-keeper Route Badgers, enhancing the team’s depth and versatility.
Tazmin Brits has been named in both squads, although her participation will depend on her fitness status closer to the tour. On the other hand, the Proteas will miss the services of nationally contracted players Lara Goodall, Chloe Tyron, and Ayanda Hlubi, who are sidelined due to injuries.
The team will gather for a pre-tour camp in Tshwane from June 4 to June 8 before departing for India. This camp aims to fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the challenging tour.
The tour kicks off with a three-match ODI series, which is part of the 2022-25 ICC Women’s Championship. Following the ODIs, the teams will compete in a one-off Test match, a rare and exciting fixture in women’s cricket.
ODI Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Mieke de Ridder
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marz
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukune
Nondumiso Shangase
Delmi Tucker
Test Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Mieke de Ridder
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marz
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukune
Nondumiso Shangase
Delmi Tucker
Interim head coach Dillon Du Preez expressed his excitement about the tour, highlighting its significance as a preparatory phase for the T20 World Cup later this year. Du Preez emphasized the importance of gaining valuable match experience in Indian conditions, which are known for being challenging yet rewarding for those who adapt well.
Fixtures:
June 16, 2024 – 1st ODI, Bengaluru, 1:30 PM
June 19, 2024 – 2nd ODI, Bengaluru, 1:30 PM
June 23, 2024 – 3rd ODI, Bengaluru, 1:30 PM
June 28 – July 1, 2024 – Only Test, Chennai, 9:30 AM
July 5, 2024 – 1st T20I, Chennai, 7:00 PM
July 7, 2024 – 2nd T20I, Chennai, 7:00 PM
July 9, 2024 – 3rd T20I, Chennai, 7:00 PM
As the Proteas prepare for this crucial tour, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team performs under the leadership of Wolvaardt and the guidance of Du Preez.
