Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially appointed Laura Wolvaardt as the permanent captain of their women's cricket team, covering all three formats of the game. Wolvaardt, an experienced opener, steps up from her role as the interim skipper, which she assumed for the series against Pakistan and New Zealand.
At just 24 years old, Wolvaardt is set to lead the Proteas in upcoming international engagements. Her first major challenge as the appointed full-time captain will be overseeing the home T20I and ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled from December 3 to 23.
Wolvaardt's temporary leadership was marked by considerable success. Under her guidance, the South African women's team achieved consecutive series victories over both Pakistan and New Zealand. Besides her leadership skills, Wolvaardt also proved her mettle with the bat. She boasts an impressive record, with 3,421 runs in ODIs at an average of 45.61 and 1,313 runs in T20Is at an average of 32.82. Her performances and leadership qualities during her interim captaincy played a significant role in securing her the full-time captaincy role.
As captain, Wolvaardt will head a T20I squad that blends youthful talent with seasoned expertise. The squad for the ODIs will be announced at a later date, indicating a strategic approach to team composition.
Clinton du Preez, the Women's Convenor of Selectors for South Africa, expressed confidence in Wolvaardt's appointment. He believes that her leadership aligns seamlessly with the team's long-term succession planning, indicating a positive trajectory for the future of South African women's cricket under Wolvaardt's captaincy.
“Having Laura Wolvaardt as the official captain, together with a blend of young and experienced players bodes well for our succession planning,” du Preez said.
“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.
“A few of our senior players are not available for the T20-leg of the Bangladesh Tour due to injury and those returning from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). We are excited to provide an opportunity to our extended identified group, especially on the back of some injuries.
“This allows us to have an in-depth look at players for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup taking place next year in Bangladesh," he added.
Her appointment marks a significant step in her career and the evolution of the team, signifying a new era of leadership and potential for the South African women's cricket team.
South Africa Squad for the Bangladesh T20Is: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt
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