The South African national women’s cricket team must play international cricket more regularly if they are to challenge the top four teams in the world.
That’s the opinion of the chairperson of Cricket South Africa’s Women’s Cricket Committee, Kerri Laing, who is working tirelessly to get the women’s game back on track.
Laing’s quest is being helped by the newly-formed ICC Women’s Cricket Committee’s decision that the top four countries have to play one home and one away tour each year, and the rest have to play either one home or one away tour in a year.
“Any country that does not play at least 6 one day internationals and two test matches in a two year period will lose their test or ODI status. We therefore have a home and away tour planned and confirmed with two countries for the next two years."
“If we could have a home and away tour every year, I believe we will be back up there challenging the top four teams within two to three years. We have a lot of young (in age but specifically in experience) ladies in our national and provincial squads and all they need is to gain some regular international experience and they will learn quickly what is required to be a top international player and team,” said Laing.
The national team’s cause has been strengthened by the appointment of Noor Rhoode from Boland as coach, and Kim Price from Western Province as assistant coach.
Rhoode has coached Boland women successfully for a number of years. He is also a previous coach of the national team, and has enjoyed success against India in South Africa’s first home series in 2002.
Price is a previous captain of the national side, and has been coaching WP, South Africa’s current provincial champions, for the last two seasons.
Having taken these vital steps, Laing is confident that a sponsor should come on board any time soon.
And what’s most pleasing for Laing and her associates at Cricket South Africa, is the amazing talent being unearthed provincially.
“We have an exceptional amount of young talent coming through and if anything we are short of experience in our national setup. Last weekend at the Pro 20 tournament played by the 9 provinces, we saw some excellent talent, one of the girls identified is a 14 year old from Griquas," said Laing.
Provincially, the league is split into a coastal an inland pool. There are 13 provinces participating in this year’s competition and they play each other on a home and away basis, culminating at the end of the season with 2 cross pool semi finals and a final.
gsport … for Girls! will keep its ear to the ground for any further news as women’s cricket gears up for a serious makeover.
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