Batter Laura Wolvaardt has been named interim Proteas Women captain.
Wolvaardt will be captain for September 2023’s tour of Pakistan. She will also lead the team during mid-September to mid-October’s series against New Zealand Women.
All-rounder Sune Luus recently relinquished the Proteas Women interim captaincy. Vice-captain Chloe Tryon is unavailable for the Pakistan tour.
What Wolvaardt said
“It’s a massive honour to be offered this position as captain for the next two tours. It’s something that I have always aspired to do,” said Wolvaardt.
“Having more of a leadership role is something I’ve wanted to take on. It’ll help me as a cricketer and learning to think as a captain on the field will hopefully help my batting as well.
“I’m very excited to be able to contribute in another way too, and not just in batting. It still feels surreal at the moment but it will all become more real when I meet up with the team in Pakistan.”
Wolvaardt, who has left Western Province for Titans Women, played for the Manchester Originals in the Women’s Hundred in England recently.
“What I can bring to the role is the experience that I have in the side. I’ve been playing international cricket since I was 16 years old. I know quite a lot of players in the circuit and I’ve been playing in the leagues as well,” she added.
“So I’ve played a lot of cricket in recent years and hopefully, I’m able to use that experience and the knowledge to my advantage when I captain the team.
“I’d like to also think of myself as quite calm and levelheaded and that’s probably more of the approach that I try to take on the field as a captain.
“It is very new to me but I am keen to learn and do everything that I can to do well in the position. I am lucky that I have a couple of senior players within the squad around me as well, who would be able to help me and guide me if I do need help along the way.”
What CSA said about Wolvaardt appointment
Wolvaardt debuted in international cricket in 2016 – and has since played one Test, 80 ODIs and 53 T20Is.
Cricket South Africa director of cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “Congratulations to Laura on her appointment as the captain of the Proteas Women’s team for the upcoming tours.
“Laura’s dedication, leadership acumen and cricketing prowess have been evident throughout her career. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and her deep understanding of the game make her an ideal candidate to lead the team.
“The captaincy holds a vital role in shaping the team’s strategy and morale, especially during tours as important as these to Pakistan and at home against New Zealand. Laura’s influence as captain will extend beyond her individual performances as she guides the team toward their goals.
“As the Proteas Women embark on these critical tours, CSA wishes Laura and the entire team the very best. The challenges ahead are immense, but with Laura’s leadership and the team’s collective efforts, they are well-poised to deliver outstanding performances on the field.”