Van Niekerk ruled out of World Cup
Momentum Proteas captain Dané van Niekerk has been ruled out
of the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup with a left ankle fracture as the
team prepares for the showpiece starting on 4 March.
The injury has ruled the all-rounder out for three months which includes the upcoming training camp, the West Indies series and then the 50 over World Cup.
Cricket South Africa has named a squad of 21 players for a Momentum Proteas training camp as the team step up preparations for the visit of the West Indies for a four-match Women’s One-Day International series in Johannesburg between 28 January – 06 February.
The extended group will enter a bio-secure environment (BSE) on Friday, where they will begin an extensive programme before an adjusted squad that will take on the Caribbean side is confirmed prior to the 50-over series.
On the van Niekerk injury, Proteas Team Doctor, Tshegofatso Gaetsewe said: “The injury is a result of an accidental slip on a wet surface at home.
“As things stand, she doesn’t require surgery but will be monitored closely. It’s a stable fracture with minimal displacement and her recovery timeline is no less than 12 weeks,” she added.
Despite the absence of the captain, the team ranked second in the ODI format have selected a formidable squad featuring stalwarts Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year nominee, Lizelle Lee.
The list also includes uncapped Western Province batter, Delmari Tucker, while Raisibe Ntozakhe receives another opportunity to impress in pursuit of a first cap since 2018, with the likes of all-rounders, Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus, as well as seamer Masabata Klaas and wicket-keeper Trisha Chetty also in the mix.
Following the squad announcement, Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said: “We are delighted to come together as a group again in the New Year to prepare for the West Indies tour and most importantly for the upcoming World Cup.
“This is a great opportunity for the coaches to work with this strong group of players and strategically set out the plan for the upcoming series and then moving into the World Cup.
“Losing Dané is massive for the team and the country, we will sorely miss her leadership and all-round cricket abilities. I would like to wish her all the best with her recovery and a smooth and seamless return to the national team.
“This brings about an opportunity for another player within the pipeline,” du Preez added.
Following the 10-day camp, the Momentum Proteas will take on their West Indies counterparts in an unofficial warm-up match, before playing four ODIs at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium with the matches broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC free-to-air.
Momentum Proteas Training Camp Squad:
Anneke Bosch (Senwes Dragons), Tazmin Brits (Senwes Dragons), Trisha Chetty ( Hollywoodbets KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Mignon du Preez (Titans Ladies), Lara Goodall (Western Province), Shabnim Ismail (Hollywoodbets KwaZulu-Natal Coastal ), Sinalo Jafta (Western Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Imperial Central Gauteng Lions), Masabata Klaas (Senwes Dragons), Lizelle Lee (Senwes Dragons), Sune Luus (Titans Ladies), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Raisibe Ntozakhe (Imperial Central Gauteng Lions), Tumi Sekhukhune (Imperial Central Gauteng Lions) Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Andrie Steyn (Western Province), Chloe Tryon (Hollywoodbets KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Delmari Tucker (Western Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province)
