Laura Wolvaardt favoured for Proteas skipper role

Laura Wolvaardt is considered the favourite to be named the new Proteas Women’s skipper after Sune Luus stepped down this week.

Proteas South Africa Women's T20 World Cup

Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa bats during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between India and South Africa at Hagley Oval on March 27, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Star batter Laura Wolvaardt is considered the favourite to be named the new Proteas Women’s skipper after Sune Luus stepped down this week.

An announcement of the new skipper is expected to come at the turn of the month according to ESPN Cricinfo.

Laura Wolvaardt favoured to be new Proteas skipper

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While Chloe Tryon was the official understudy to Luus, she has requested a leave of absence from the team.

Laura Wolvaardt joins Gujarat Giants in Women's Premier League — Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail and Laura Wolvaardt. Photo by Marco Longari / AFP

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Wolvaardt could be set to take up a poisoned chalice though considered the discontent brewing among the playing group.

A handful of players reportedly wrote to CSA last week to request a change in the coaching personnel, as per ESPNcricinfo.

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Head coach Hilton Moreeng is into his 11th year as the Proteas Women’s coach and the players believe the team would benefit from an input of fresh ideas.

Pakistan trip to test morale

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Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa plays a shot during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup group A match between South Africa and New Zealand at Boland Park on February 13, 2023 in Paarl, South Africa. Photo: ICC Media Zone

The Proteas are scheduled to play three T20Is and three ODIs in Pakistan between September 1 and 14.

Those three ODIs form part of the ICC Women’s Championship, which will determine qualification for the next World Cup.

Of the 15 members of the team who will fly to Pakistan, 12 were in the T20 World Cup group.

Shabnim Ismail, who quit international cricket in May, has been replaced by Tumi Sekhukhune. Nondumiso Shangase, the Dolphins’ allrounder and captain, has returned to the team. Meanwhile wicketkeeper-batter Meike de Ridder is the only uncapped player travelling to Pakistan. The two other players from the T20 World Cup who are absent from this roster are Tryon and Annerie Derksen, who is rehabilitating from a fractured finger.

Proteas squad: .Anneke Bosch .Tazmin Brits .Nade de Klerk .Mieke de Ridder .Lara Goodall .Sinalo Jafta .Marizanne Kapp .Ayabonga Khaka .Masabata Klaas .Sune Luus .Nonkululeko Mlaba .Tumi Sekhukhune .Nondumiso Shangase .Delmi Tucker .Laura Wolvaardt.