South Africa Women return to training ahead of proposed England tour

The news boosts the prospects of South Africa touring England at the back end of the summer, with an emphasis on 50-over cricket ahead of next year’s World Cup

South Africa Women are set to return to training on July 27 ahead of their proposed series against England in September.

The Proteas have named a 24-strong high-performance squad, including Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp, which will meet in Pretoria on Sunday for a weeklong camp – the first time the players have worked together since March.

The players will then return to their respective provinces for individual training, before regrouping for a fortnight-long camp from August 16 to August 27.

All players and support staff have been tested for coronavirus, with 34 tests ahead of the camp returning three positive tests. Those who have tested positive will now begin a ten-day period of self-isolation and will take no part in the training camp. According to a Cricket South Africa statement, the trio have displayed “nil to mild symptoms”.

The camp will take place in a bio-secure environment, adhering to protocols put in place by Cricket South Africa’s Covid-19 steering committee, all of which boosts the prospects of South Africa touring England at the back end of the summer, with an emphasis on 50-over cricket ahead of next year’s World Cup, which is still set to go ahead as planned, as it stands.

Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith said: “We were very encouraged by the success of the health protocols in the lead-up to the 3TC Solidarity Cup and on the actual match day as well. Safety remains our priority at all times for players, support staff and all other people involved.

“The projected tour of England will have a heavy emphasis on the 50-over format as we start preparing for the ICC Women’s World Cup which is still scheduled to be played in New Zealand early next year.

“We have been through a frustrating period with our Momentum Proteas not able to build on the excellent form they showed at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and next week’s camp represents an important new starting point.”

Squad: Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Maria Klaas, Trisha Chetty, Sinalo Jafta, Laura Wolvaardt, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase, Faye Tunnicliffe, Zintle Mali, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Lara Goodall, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Robyn Searle, Andrie Steyn

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