OBAKENG MELETSE
The Proteas women have named a strong squad as they gear up to face England in a one-off Test match in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Currently involved in a heated ODI series, which stands on a knife-edge at 1-1, the Proteas will soon shift their focus to the longer format of the game. Yesterday, they announced a 15-player squad to take on England in a four-day match at the Mangaung Oval.
The last encounter between these two sides in the red-ball format ended in tension, as England posted an imposing score of 417/8 (declared) during their visit to the County Cricket ground in Taunton in 2022. However, the Proteas managed to clinch a nail-biting draw, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.
This match will mark South Africa's first Test on home soil since their last defeat by ten wickets against India in the 2001/02 season in Paarl. In a significant update for the squad, Tumi Sekhukhune has been added after she missed out on the white-ball series, taking the place of Ayabonga Khaka, who has opted out of playing the longer format.
Additionally, there are returns for Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, and Chloe Tryon, all of whom missed South Africa’s recent 1-0 loss against India earlier this year. The reintroduction of these players adds depth and experience to the team as they prepare for this crucial fixture.
Coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed his excitement for the upcoming match and the vital lessons the red-ball game will impart on his side.
“I'm excited,” Mashimbyi commented.
“It will go a long way for the ladies in terms of them understanding their game and what's needed in the longer version of the game. Getting an opportunity to play red-ball is good for our cricket, and I'm looking forward to what they can bring.”
He further elaborated on the key focuses for the team: “The measurables are quite simple for me; it's how much time you are willing to spend in the crease as a batter and how patient you are willing to be as a bowler.
“So, it's all those things that we're going to speak about, and if we can see it coming to fruition during the game, that will give us a big plus,” he concluded.
Proteas Women Test squad v England: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Chloé Tryon