SA

If ever there was a more reliable asset to have behind the stumps, it would be kwaZulu-Natal’s wicket-keeper batswoman, Trisha Chetty. Chetty took over from the huge boots of former captain and South Africa’s most-capped player, Daleen Terblanche, in 2007, and has fitted in comfortably, in fact, made them her own.

She was named as Cricket South Africa’s Women’s player of the year in June after a standout performance at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia where she assertively showed her intent.

“I did take over from experienced and talented hands, but I just went out there to play the best that I could. I was quite young when I made my debut, but age counts for nothing if you can prove your worth out on the field. We had disappointing performances at the international events this year, but there are always positives to walk away with, ”commented Chetty.

Born in Chatsworth, Chetty made her debut against Pakistan Women in Pretoria, and has impressively transformed and moulded into the wicket-keeping role, as well as opening the innings.

She started out batting at the number eight position, and has worked her way up to being the core and the reliability at the top. She is possibly one of the hardest workers in the squad, investments that have begun to return rewards, with her growing reputation as one of the most-talented and agile keepers in the game.

The 21-year old has not only been unstoppable behind the stumps this series, but she has shown intent at the top of the order, with a blistering top-score of 42 in the third ODI at Boland Park.

“I have put in a lot of hard work and analysis on the side and that is all to ensure that nothing gets by out in the field. Reflexes are extremely important out there, that can be the difference between a match changing wicket and a loss. I have been attacking up in the order against the West Indies, but that is my natural game.

The final ODI is a new game, anyone can take it but we are confident of taking the series,” said Chetty. South Africa confidently go into the fourth and final ODI at Sahara Park Newlands on Friday with an unchanged team, and are positive of a series victory after a good run of two wins in two matches.

Ironically, the rivalry between South Africa and the West Indies goes beyond Sahara Park Newlands and the West Indies will feel they have one-up over South Africa after Trinidad and Tobago beat Cape Cobras by seven wickets in the Semi-Final of the Airtel Champions League T20 in India.