CSA names SA Women's World Cup squad
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday, announced the 15-woman squad that will represent South Africa in the ICC Women's World Cup 2013 in India from 31 January to 17 February. The team depart for Mumbai on Friday to take part in women's cricket's biggest showcase.
The ODI and T20 team returned home from a tour in the West Indies to prepare for the subcontinent conditions they will have to face in India. They drew the five-match One Day International (ODI) series two-all after one of the matches was rained out and lost the two-match T20 series two-nil. Captain, Mignon du Preez is satisfied that her side has learned the lessons needed ahead of the World Cup.
"We've done all the hard work and are more prepared than ever before for this tournament. Playing in the West Indies in foreign conditions has shown us a little of what we can expect when we arrive in Mumbai," du Preez said.
Right arm-fast bowler, Shabnim Ismail will join the unchanged squad in India for the World Cup. Ismail, who was unable to take part in the Windies tour because of work commitments, is excited to join the team once more.
"I can't wait to get back with my team. It was really difficult when I couldn't go to the West Indies but I've been preparing as much as I can here at home and I'm ready," she said.
Coach, Hilton Moreeng looks forward to what will be the biggest challenge of his career so far.
He said: "Now that the team and I have bonded in the Caribbean, I am even more confident in our ability and potential ahead of the World Cup. We have identified the areas that we will need to work on before our first match against New Zealand and I am confident that the semifinal, as a short term goal, is not an impossible ambition."
The Proteas Women will face India in their first warm up match on the 28th of January, followed by another warm up match against Sri Lanka on the 30th before their first official World Cup encounter against New Zealand on 1 February 2013. South Africa's opening match against the White Ferns will be televised live on SuperSport.
CSA Senior Cricket Manager, Max Jordaan has every belief in the squad selected. With the added boost of having legendary former India women's captain, Anjum Chopra in the management team as a strategic consultant, Jordaan believes the team have all the support necessary for them to go all the way. He wished them the best of luck ahead of this all important tournament.
"The recent tour to West Indies could not have been more opportune. It allowed the coaching staff to settle the team combination and game plans. The players in particular have role clarity and understand their strategic fit in team. As a unit the Proteas Women have shown growth and would be approaching the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup with a clear purpose, to return to Mumbai for the knock out phase," Jordaan commented.
SA TEAM: Mignon du Preez (Captain, Northerns), Susan Benade (Griquas), Cri-Zelda Brits (Gauteng), Trisha Chetty (KZN coastal), Savanna Cordes (Gauteng), Dinesha Devnarain (KZN coastal), Shandré Fritz (Western Province), Shabnim Ismail (Western Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Dané van Niekerk (Eastern Province), Marcia Letsoalo (Northerns), Sunette Loubser (Boland), Yolandi Potgieter (Boland), Chloe Tryon (KZN coastal), Elrisa Theunissen (North West).
