South Africa’s ODI and T20I squads for home series against England Announced, starts 24 Nov

November 11, 2024

Cricket South Africa (CSA) unveiled the white-ball squads for the highly anticipated multi-format series against England. This extensive inbound tour, spanning from November 24 to December 15, will see thrilling encounters across multiple cities, including East London, Benoni, Tshwane, Kimberley, Durban, and Potchefstroom.

South Africa's ODI and T20I squads for home series against England Announced, starts 24 Nov — South Africa’s ODI and T20I squads for home series against England Announced, starts 24 Nov

In a historic culmination, South Africa will also host England in a Test match at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein from December 15–18, marking the first women’s Test on South African soil since 2002.

The T20I squad, captained by the dynamic Laura Wolvaardt, features a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. Returning from South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final, the team sees the addition of three players. All-rounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Nondumiso Shangase, alongside Western Province batter Faye Tunnicliffe, join the squad, bringing fresh energy and skills.

The new trio steps in for experienced players Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, both resting for this series, and wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder. Seshnie Naidu, meanwhile, will focus on her studies and preparing for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia early next year.

South Africa’s T20I squad for England series:

Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe

The ODI squad, a 15-player group also led by Wolvaardt, is laser-focused on critical ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) points that could shape the path to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. South Africa is currently fourth in the IWC standings with 23 points, trailing England by five points with three matches to go for both teams. The stakes are high since the top five teams, along with hosts India, will earn direct entry into the 2025 World Cup.

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Kapp and Khaka will rejoin the ODI team for this decisive series, and Masabata Klaas returns after missing the recent T20 World Cup. Fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi is also back, marking her first ODI call-up since February. In addition, left-hander Lara Goodall, who recently celebrated her 50th ODI cap, rejoins the lineup after being sidelined for the ODI series against India. Four players from the India series squad—Eliz-Mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, and Delmi Tucker—are absent, replaced by Goodall, Hlubi, and experienced all-rounder Chloé Tryon.

South Africa’s ODI squad for England series:

Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket)

South Africa are gearing up for a fierce challenge, knowing that each match will test their mettle. Interim head coach Dillon du Preez shared his excitement and readiness for the competition ahead, “Everyone is looking forward to the multi-format series against England, and we know it’s not going to be an easy one. It’s always a tough series against them. We know that we need to make sure that our planning is spot on and so far, it’s been interesting.

“We would like to have the same approach as we had in the recent T20 World Cup. We would still like to grow as a team and continue working on our T20 playing philosophy. So, we decided to give one or two players a chance in the T20I series to prove themselves and also to give us a chance to look at what stock we have available and what skill we need to work on.”

The series also presents a platform for players on CSA’s radar, as they’ve earned selection based on strong domestic performances. Clinton du Preez, Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, echoed this emphasis on player development, “I would like to wish the team well with this upcoming series on the back of a bittersweet T20 World Cup. I am very confident that the players will have a very successful tour on home soil. The ODIs allow us to continue with our preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup and to solidify our position in the ICC Women’s Championship.”

The Proteas Women begin the series with three T20Is on November 24, 27, and 30, providing an early taste of high-intensity competition. The action then moves to the ODI series, where three crucial matches on December 4, 8 (Black Day ODI), and 11 will determine valuable IWC points. Finally, the historic Test match in Bloemfontein from December 15–18 promises to be a memorable event for players and fans alike, the squad for which will be announced in due course.

With the support of home fans, the South African women are set to embark on this remarkable tour, aspiring to make history and take a step closer to their World Cup goals.

(Quotes sourced from Cricket South Africa)