The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the iconic Adelaide Oval as the Proteas Women take on Australia in the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODI) in Adelaide, South Australia in Australia, on Saturday, 3 February, 2024.
Speaking to the media ahead of the ODI Series, captain Laura Wolvaardt, shared her thoughts.
“I love being back in Adelaide. Obviously, nice having played here a couple of times, just to know the conditions. I can share my knowledge with my teammates, and hopefully it does us well for the game tomorrow.”
South Africa Women’s Cricket Captain, Laura Wolvaardt
The current world number three in the ICC’s Women’s ODI Rankings emphasised the need to adapt to the bounce and pace of the Oval.
“I think it’s a lot more bouncy than what we’re used to at home. We had a good hit-out in the nets at the back and just getting used to the pace and bounce. Especially this time of the year, we were on quite slow wickets at home, so it’s just about adjusting to the conditions. The outfield looks beautiful, so I’m sure it’ll be nice.
The 24-year old also revealed the team’s strategy to counter the bouncy conditions, focusing on shot selection and bowler adjustments.
“It’s about using different options. Maybe playing a bit squarer and practising our short ball stuff. I’m sure they’ll throw a lot of that as well. It’s just about figuring out the lengths for the bowlers as well. They might have to bowl a touch fuller than they normally do,” she added.
Speaking on how she feels to be back at the Oval after winning with the Adelaide Strikers and playing against some of the players that were her team mates, “Yeah it feels a bit weird, last time I was here it was a really cool evening when we won the final. So it’s weird being back here in a different role. But very excited for the opportunity to play at one of my favourite grounds is really special.”
Reflecting on playing against Megan Schutt, Wolvaardt expressed that she would rather play with her than against her. “She is a very fiery cricketer, great competitor. She is nice to have on your team. She brings all her energy onto the field, she is really loud and energetic. When we play against her, it sort of all gets to you which is not ideal, but we get on well off the field,” laughed Wolvaardt.
The rivalry between the two teams have been good, having beaten the Aussies on home ground, means that the Proteas have finally broken the voodoo of having never beaten them and they can now settle down and concentrate on the task at hand and play some good competitive cricket.
“Hopefully now that we have that win against them, we can come hard in this ODI series,” said the captain.
The host nation currently holds a 4-2 lead in the multi-format series with 10 points still on offer. (6 points for ODIs and 4 for the Test).
The first ODI will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (Channel 212) from 14h10 local time and 05h40 SAST.
Women’s CommBank T20I Series v South Africa
Warm Up
24 Jan: Governor-General’s XI beat SA XI by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
Australia Won the T20I Series 2-1
27 Jan: Australia win first T20I 8 wickets (5 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
28 Jan: South Africa win 2nd T20I by 6 wickets (6 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
30 Jan: Australia win first T20I by5 wickets (4 balls rem.) (Blundstone Arena, Hobart)
ODI Series
3 Feb: Adelaide Oval, 2.10pm
7 Feb: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pm
10 Feb: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pm
Only Test
15-18 Feb: WACA Ground, Perth 11.00am
Proteas Women Squad (T20I & ODI) – Multi-format Tour to Australia
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Mieke de Ridder
Ayanda Hlubi
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marx
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Chloé Tryon
Delmi Tucker
Australia Squad for the T20I and ODI Series
Alyssa Healy (c)
Darcie Brown
Heather Graham
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Grace Harris*
Jess Jonassen
Alana King**
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Georgia Wareham
*T20s only | **ODIs only
Main Photo Caption: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the iconic Adelaide Oval as the Proteas Women take on Australia in the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODI) in Adelaide, South Australia in Australia, on Saturday, 3 February, 2024. Photo: Cricket South Africa on X
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