Johannesburg: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday announced the 15-man squad for the five-match home T20I series against India from April 17 to 27.
Significant changes have been made to the Proteas’ squad for their final assignment ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which starts on June 12, with wicketkeeper-batsman Deboko Machek getting his first call-up in place of the injured Karabo Mezo.
Also, all-rounder Elise-Marie Marks has returned to South Africa’s T20I set-up in place of seamer Masapada Glass, while veteran Marisan Kapp is unavailable for the final home series before the mega-event as she continues to recover from illness.
Meanwhile, the rest of the South Africa squad remained the same for the five-match series against New Zealand in March, as top-order batsman Anneke Bosh retained her place after the injured Dane van Niekerk.
South Africa head coach Mandla Mashimba has described the upcoming domestic series against India as a “quick turnaround” but insists the team is eager to grow and improve as it serves as a final chance to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup.
“It’s a quick turnaround, of course, but a T20I against India at home is always going to be great.
“The team has largely stayed the same on this tour. We learned a lot about ourselves as a team on the recent trip to New Zealand, and at the same time we are very excited to get back on the field and show our eagerness to grow and improve with every game and practice.
“As a team, we’re always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective and renewed energy to the team. This next step provides an opportunity to further challenge ourselves as we continue our preparations for the World Cup.”
South Africa squad for T20 series against India:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Chyonekhuk and Kayla Chyonehuk.
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