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CSA unveil Proteas Women squad for first-ever test against Australia

cricket09 February 2024 09:26| © Cricket SA
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Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp © Gallo Images

Cricket South Africa have announced the Proteas Women squad gearing up for a historic one-off test match against Australia scheduled to take place from 15-18 February at the West Australia Cricket Association (WACA) Ground in Perth.

This match is a significant part of the ongoing multi-format tour.

In their first four-day encounter since the June 2022 face-off against England, South Africa's 14-player squad boasts six players earning their maiden test call-up.

This group includes top-order batter Tazmin Brits, seamers Masabata Klaas and Ayanda Hlubi, as well as allrounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Delmi Tucker, along with wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder.

Joining the uncapped players are seven teammates who played a crucial role in the Proteas' memorable drawn encounter against England at the Taunton Cricket Ground.

This includes captain Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, and Sinalo Jafta, along with Suné Luus and Nonkululeko Mlaba.

The squad also features the seasoned allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who left an indelible mark in the previous test match with a record-breaking innings of 150 off 213 balls (26 fours).

Making a return to the test squad is Chloé Tryon, who missed out on the test match two years ago due to injury. She is eager to add to her single red-ball cap picked up in 2014 against India.

The only alteration in the squad currently challenging Australia in the white-ball leg of the tour Down Under is the omission of medium fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka, who has chosen not to participate in red-ball cricket.

Proteas Women Squad (Test) - Multi-format Tour to Australia

Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits* (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Mieke de Ridder* (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi* (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Western Province), Masabata Klaas* (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx* (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions), Delmi Tucker* (Western Province)

* Uncapped players

Proteas Women head coach, Hilton Moreeng commented:

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a team, it's another one in a while again, so I think especially with the youngsters, they're very excited to challenge themselves and to test their skills in the longer format and in women's cricket, it hasn't been something we've been familiar with.

“We’ve had an opportunity to prepare for it and playing in an iconic stadium, it's an opportunity that every youngster wants to grab and test their skills against, so it’s exciting times for women's cricket and one we're looking forward to as a team.

Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said:

"We eagerly anticipate the upcoming test match, adding an exciting dimension following the T20I and ODI series.

"We are contemplating strategic adjustments within the batting line-up for the test match. Additionally, we aim to provide opportunities to players who have been part of the tour, while also assessing prospects for future test matches. Our focus is on structuring the line-up to achieve the right balance within our squad.

"Test cricket introduces an element of excitement, particularly for those players experiencing it for the first time. I look forward to observing the squad members and their performances within the red-ball arena."

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