Proteas Women appoint Laura Wolvaardt all-format captain permanently – and select two new caps

Laura Wolvaardt cricketLaura Wolvaardt.

Batter Laura Wolvaardt has been appointed Proteas Women captain, across all formats, on a permanent basis.

Wolvaardt was interim captain during series against New Zealand and Pakistan earlier this year. Her appointment has since been made permanent ahead of December 2023’s series against Bangladesh Women.

South Africa and Bangladesh will contest three T20Is and three ODIs from 6 to 23 December.

The uncapped Eliz-Mari Marx and Ayanda Hlubi have been included in the T20I squad.

All-rounder Annerie Dercksen has been recalled, while South Africa will be without the injured Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk – and rested Marizanne Kapp.

The ODI squad will be announced closer to the series. Kimberley, Benoni, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and East London are the venues for both series.

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Proteas Women squad for T20I series

  1. Anneke Bosch
  2. Tazmin Brits
  3. Annerie Dercksen
  4. Mieke de Ridder
  5. Lara Goodall
  6. Ayanda Hlubi
  7. Sinalo Jafta
  8. Masabata Klaas
  9. Sune Luus
  10. Eliz-Mari Marx
  11. Nonkululeko Mlaba
  12. Tumi Sekhukhune
  13. Nondumiso Shangase
  14. Delmi Tucker
  15. Laura Wolvaardt

What Proteas Women convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said

“Having Laura Wolvaardt as the official captain, together with a blend of young and experienced players bodes well for our succession planning,” said du Preez.

“It will also assist within the excitement we have around the squad in giving young players an opportunity and therefore we are looking forward to seeing them put up their hand and make impactful performances in this upcoming tour.

“The inclusion of Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx gives great confidence to rewarding performances at the professional level. They have been instrumental with their domestic performances in the past season for their respective provinces.”

What Proteas Women head coach Hilton Moreeng said

“From our perspective, it is about continuing the good work that has been done. We know we are playing against Bangladesh who just came off a very successful tour against Pakistan,” said Moreeng.

“For the T20Is, this is where we are going to look, where possible, to blend in youngsters and give an opportunity to expose them at this level to keep growing the base. Overall, we have a lot of good youngsters coming through and the squad is becoming stronger and stronger.”

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