Laura Wolvaardt Named South Africa's Interim Captain

image-llow64q6Laura Wolvaardt (r) will lead South Africa Women [Source: 'X'] 

Cricket South Africa on Thursday named veteran batter Laura Wolvaardt as South Africa Women's interim captain for their upcoming series against Pakistan (away) and New Zealand (home).

South Africa will tour Pakistan for three T20Is and as many ODIs from September 1, and will return home to face New Zealand in a three-ODI and five-T20I series starting September 24.

Wolvaardt takes over captaincy duties from Sune Luus, who stepped down from her position last week. Vice-captain Chloe Tryon's unavailability for the trip to Pakistan also influenced the decision from CSA. 

CSA will review their decision on Wolvaardt's permanent captaincy credentials after the conclusion of the series against New Zealand. 

The 24-year-old has played 1 Test, 80 ODIs, and 53 T20Is for South Africa since 2016, and amassed 4,307 with three centuries, and 36 half-centuries.

In a statement, Wolvaardt expressed delight over being handed over the responsibilities and looked forward to contributing to the side as a leader.


Here's what Wolvaardt said

"It's a massive honour to be offered this position as captain for the next two tours. It's something that I have always aspired to do, having played in this team for a couple of years. Having more of a leadership role is something I've wanted to take on. It'll help me as a cricketer and learning to think as a captain on the field will hopefully help my batting as well."

Talking about her leadership qualities, the opener called herself a cool and calm-headed customer. 

"I'd like to also think of myself as quite calm and level-headed and that's probably more of the approach that I try to take on the field as a captain."

CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe described Wolvaardt as an "ideal candidate to lead the team". The CSA have already announced a 15-member squad for Pakistan tour.

South Africa squad

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine 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