Dane van Niekerk, the former South Africa captain, is back. She’s been included in the 20-player squad for the national training camp. This camp is crucial as the Proteas prepare for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025.
Van Niekerk last played international cricket in 2023. She didn’t make the cut for South Africa’s T20 World Cup team in their own backyard. She didn’t pass the 2km time trial.
Announces her comeback through Social media
She shared on social media: “I’m back! I missed playing for my country so much during my time away. I’m going to give it my all to earn that chance again.”
The national training camp in South Africa will take place in Durban from August 25 to September 1. After the camp, the Proteas will travel to Pakistan for three One Day Internationals starting September 16. This will be their last preparation before heading to India and Sri Lanka for the World Cup.
Players who will not be there in the camp
Some players won’t be at the training camp. Laura Wolvaardt, the captain, and all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp are busy with The Hundred. But there’s a new face in the mix. Luyanda Nzuza, an all-rounder who played in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, has been invited to the senior team for the first time.
The final teams for the Pakistan series and the World Cup will be announced in early September.
Mandla Mashimbyi, the head coach of South Africa Women, is excited about the team’s progress towards the World Cup. “The players have worked hard to be ready for their first match against England in India. This camp in Durban will be important to finalise our preparation and be ready as a team before we leave.”
Dane Van Niekerk international career
During her career, Dane van Niekerk has played one Test, 107 ODIs and 86 T20Is. She has scored 4,074 runs, one century and 19 half-centuries. She has taken 204 wickets, seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.She wasn’t playing international cricket but was part of the Oval Invincibles and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2023 Women’s Premier League.
South Africa haven’t announced their World Cup team yet. Their first match is on Friday October 3 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Before that they will have a camp in Durban this week.
