Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced their women’s squad for the upcoming home tri-series involving the hosts, India and the West Indies. The series, which begins on January 19, will be Proteas’ first international assignment since their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year.
Experienced campaigner Dane Van Niekerk has been left out of South Africa’s 17-member squad after failing to meet fitness requirements. Van Niekerk, who last played in September 2021, was recovering from a broken ankle that she suffered in January last year.
“Dané has progressed very well, and it’s a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, she did not meet the minimum national standards and therefore is ineligible for selection, and we will continue working on her fitness as we continue through the tri-series to assess her eligibility for the [T20] World Cup,” said Clinton du Preez, Convenor of Selectors, in a statement.
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Trisha Chetty will also be unavailable in the outfit, which has two uncapped players in form of all-rounder Annerie Dercksen and wicketkeeper Tebogo Macheke. Leg-spinner Sune Luus will lead the South African team.
“The uncapped players included have been part of the recent camps and have grown immensely. Annerie as an all-rounder, she will bring much depth to the squad and versatility within the team. Tebogo has been working hard and will add an additional option as a wicketkeeper, and it’s great for them to be a part of it,” added Du Preez.
South Africa squad for the Tri-Series:
Suné Luus (Captain), Chloe Tryon (Vice-Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tebogo Macheke, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt.
