South Africa’s exceptional right-handed batter Laura Wolvaardt has been given the job of the South Africa women’s team’s interim captain. In the forthcoming series against Pakistan and New Zealand, she will lead the Proteas, displaying her leadership qualities.
This appointment follows Sune Luus’ resignation and vice-captain Chloe Tryon’s unavailability for the next Pakistan series. Wolvaardt is coming into the leadership post in less than two months, managing the squad for the Pakistan tour and the home series against New Zealand. Her captaincy will extend until October 15, with Cricket South Africa (CSA) emphasizing that a review will occur following the New Zealand tour. Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged her enthusiasm for this occasion, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
“It’s a massive honor 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.”
“I’m very excited to be able to contribute in another way too, and not just in batting. It still feels surreal at the moment but it will all become more real when I meet up with the team in Pakistan. What I can bring to the role is the experience that I have in the side. I’ve been playing international cricket since I was 16 years old.” said Laura on being appointed as captain.
During her outstanding span of over seven years serving the national team, Laura Wolvaardt has amassed a total of 3,193 runs, exhibiting an impressive average of 45.61. She has registered 29 fifties and three extraordinary centuries in her International career, all earned through 80 ODIs. Laura’s impact also extends to the T20Is, where she has tallied up 1,079 runs in 53 matches, with an average of 30.82. Among these, she has secured seven half-centuries. Laura’s cricket career isn’t confined to international play; she has also made her presence felt in famous leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia, The Hundred in England, and in the Inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India this year.
Wolvaardt’s selection was commended by Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s director of cricket, who underlined her dedication, leadership ability, and cricketing prowess. Nkwe stressed that her ability to remain collected under pressure and her profound understanding of the game made her the “ideal candidate to lead the team.”
“Laura’s dedication, leadership acumen, and cricketing prowess have been evident throughout her career, her ability to stay composed under pressure and her deep understanding of the game make her an ideal candidate to lead the team. Laura’s influence as captain will extend beyond her individual performances as she guides the team toward their goals,” Nkwe said.
The upcoming South African tour of Pakistan is going to be an exciting cricketing event. The schedule includes a thrilling three-match T20I series and an equally gripping three-match ODI series, all scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi. Following this, the team is set to host New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is.
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