Cricket South Africa has commenced a new chapter by entrusting star batter Laura Wolvaardt with the captaincy of the senior women’s team across all formats. The announcement came on Friday, November 24, marking a significant shift in the team’s leadership dynamics ahead of their home series against Bangladesh. Wolvaardt, who had previously undertaken captaincy duties in a stopgap role against New Zealand in ODIs and Pakistan in T20Is, is now set to helm the squad on a permanent basis.
The 24-year-old Wolvaardt’s first assignment as the official captain will be against Bangladesh in a T20 series that begins on December 3. This marks a pivotal transition for the young batter, as she takes up the mantle from her predecessors, inheriting both the responsibility and opportunity to shape the future of South African women’s cricket.
Concurrently, seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will not be featuring in the T20 series against Bangladesh. Kapp, who has been playing with Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, has been rested as part of the team’s player management strategy.
Wolvaardt’s rise comes at a time when she is at the zenith of her batting prowess, maintaining the position as South Africa’s top-ranked batter in both ODIs and T20Is. Her form has stood out even against the backdrop of the team’s recent challenges. With a remarkable tally of 3421 runs in 86 matches, she is fast approaching a monumental milestone – overhauling Mignon du Preez to become South Africa’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs, requiring just 339 more runs to claim the record.
Clinton du Preez, CSA’s Chief Selector, underscored the strategic foresight behind Wolvaardt’s appointment, noting the balance of youthful energy and seasoned expertise within the squad. “Having Laura Wolvaardt as the official captain, together with a blend of young and experienced players bodes well for our succession planning,” he remarked. Furthermore, he expressed anticipation for the rise of new talents in the upcoming tour, eager to witness younger players make their mark.
Injury setbacks, however, have sidelined key performers like all-rounders Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, and pacer Ayabonga Khaka. These absences have paved the way for fresh faces to join the ranks. Ayanda Hlubi, a 19-year-old right-arm medium pacer, and 20-year-old batter Eliz-Mari Marx have both earned their maiden international call-ups, bringing new energy and potential into the fold.
South Africa’s T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh is a tapestry of established cricketers and promising newcomers, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent in the national team. The selected players are set to embark on a journey that promises challenges and the prospects of thrilling cricket.
The squad consisting of the following players illustrates the rich array of skills ready to represent South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, and Delmi Tucker.
The inauguration of Laura Wolvaardt as the all-rounder captain is more than a ceremonial change; it is a directional shift towards embracing the future potential of a team poised to capitalize on both growth and experience. As the South African women’s cricket team strides forward under new leadership, the cricketing community watches with anticipation for their next chapter on the world stage.