Chloe Tryon, on the road to recovery from a groin injury, makes a welcome return to South Africa’s white-ball squads for the upcoming women’s multi-format tour of Australia. Tryon, who has been absent since the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), last featured in the home series against New Zealand in October.
Ayanda Hlubi, who showcased her talent with an impressive T20I debut against Bangladesh, earns her maiden call-up to the ODI side, adding a fresh dimension to the team. The 15-member squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, includes stalwarts Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Ayabonga Khaka, who were absent from the T20Is against Bangladesh but are now part of the ODI lineup.
Notably, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Lara Goodall miss out on the Australia tour, highlighting the selectors’ strategic choices. The tour, commencing on January 27, features three T20Is, followed by three ODIs starting February 3, and concludes with a historic one-off Test, marking the first between the two sides.
Head coach Hilton Moreeng, whose contract has been extended, emphasizes the squad’s competitiveness, blending youth and experience. The team’s positive performance in 2023 sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming tour, and Moreeng underscores the squad’s balance and competitiveness, expressing confidence as they prepare to take on Australia.
The tour’s schedule includes the first two T20Is at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, the third at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, followed by ODIs in Adelaide and North Sydney, and culminating with a Test match at the WACA in Perth. South Africa’s women’s cricket team is poised for an exciting and challenging series Down Under.
