Cricket South Africa (CSA) has made a significant announcement today, confirming Laura Wolvaardt as the new full-time captain of the Proteas Women’s team across all formats. This appointment follows her successful stint as interim captain during recent tours, where she demonstrated impressive leadership and batting skills, contributing to consecutive ODI series wins against Pakistan and New Zealand.
At just 24 years old, Wolvaardt boasts an impressive cricketing resume, having already played in 86 ODIs and 59 T20Is. Her batting record is noteworthy, with 3,421 runs in ODIs, including 30 fifties and four centuries, and 1,313 T20I runs at an average of 32.82.
The upcoming white-ball tour against Bangladesh, scheduled between 3 and 23 December on home soil, will see Wolvaardt lead a 15-player T20 International (T20I) squad. This series is not only an opportunity for Wolvaardt to solidify her leadership but also a chance for young talents to shine. Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx, emerging stars from SA U19 and SA Emerging teams, have earned their first international call-ups in the T20 format.
Annerie Dercksen, a Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers allrounder, marks her return to the national team following a hand injury. Her inclusion comes as a reward for her solid domestic and emerging level performances.
The squad, however, will miss some key players in the T20I series. Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka, alongside allrounders Chloè Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, are out due to injuries. Marizanne Kapp, an experienced campaigner, is being rested for the T20Is but is expected to return for the ODI series.
The ODI squad, which will compete in matches forming part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, a qualifier for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, is set to be announced later. These matches will take place in East London, Potchefstroom, and Benoni between 16 and 23 December.
Proteas Women T20I Squad against Bangladesh (2023/24) includes a mix of experienced and new players: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker, and captain Laura Wolvaardt. This lineup signifies a blend of experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for an exciting series.
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