Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday, announced that former South Africa women’s captain, Cri-Zelda Brits, will return to national duty when the Proteas Women set out for their five-match One Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies in the Caribbean at the end of December. The announcement was made during the SA women’s squad declaration at the High Performance Centre in Tshwane.
The tour is in preparation for the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, which will take place from 21 January to 17 February in Mumbai.
Brits, who took an indefinite break from international cricket last year to concentrate on her off-field profession, is excited to be making a comeback to the side.
“I’m really happy to be back. This is a very exciting time for me and I’m really looking forward to representing my country again. This break served to show me how much I love the game and how much I’ve missed playing international cricket. I can’t wait to get into get on the field in St Kitts and do what I was born to do,” she commented.
She debuted for South Africa against India in 2002 and was involved in the national set up for more than 10 years before she took her break. She has played 57 ODIs and scored 1 384 runs at an average of 31.45.
Coach, Hilton Moreeng said: “I’m confident about the team we’ve chosen, it’s a really good mixture of youth and experience and I’m happy with the depth in the side. It’s a pleasure to see the return of an experienced player like Cri-Zelda, I’m certain she’ll have a positive influence on the side.
“We’re excited about going to the West Indies and to face some tough competition. This is the best preparation for the World Cup that we could ask for and we look forward to our arrival and getting our campaign started.”
The squad also boasts two debutants, Savanna Cordes and Elrisa Theunissen, who have made their presence known in the CSA Women’s Provincial League for some time now.
“It’s always exciting to unveil new players,” Moreeng continued. “This tour will be invaluable to them in terms of experience and I know they are looking forward to showing the world what they have to offer.”
South Africa leave for St Kitts on 28 December for their series which will take place from 7 to 15 January. They will finish off with a two-match T20 series before departing for the World Cup in India.
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), 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). Non-travelling reserves Bernadine Bezuidenhout (South Western Districts), Gezelle Jansen van Rensburg (Free State), Ayabonga Khaka (Border), Maryka Kirchoff (Border). Team Management Hilton Moreeng – Coach Enver Mall – Manager Anjum Chopra – Technical Adviser Robyn John – Physiotherapist Abraham Ramodi – Video Analyst Charlie Gouveia – Biokinetist Sipokazi Sokanyile – Media Officer
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