“We have beaten them on home soil and now we want to continue to put pressure on them by going to their back yard and give them a hiding,” said Momentum Proteas Woemn team captain, Mignon du Preez.
The Momentum Proteas women have gathered at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Centre of Excellence for their final camp ahead of their tour to Sri Lanka from October 12 to 26.
“We know that will be difficult, they (Sri Lanka) always rely on spinners, but we are going to bring to them a seamer attack,” said Du Preez. “We will be prepared for everything that they will bring towards us and work from there. We have played in that kind of conditions and know what the sub-continent playing conditions are like.”
They will play a four-match One Day International (ODI) series, which will see the team play their first matches of the ICC Women’s Championship, with a three-match Twenty20 series to round off the tour. The side are looking to maintain their recent unbeaten streak against the hosts, whom they beat in both the ODI and T20 series the last time they met in South Africa in November 2013.
“We’re really excited about this tour,” said Du Preez. “We have a really good record against Sri Lanka and our matches are always so competitive.”
Du Preez’s team have set aside their disappointment from their winless tour against England and are looking forward to the change in format.
CSA have made two changes to the touring squad. Matriculant Suné Luus has been replaced by Yolani Fourie, and Nadine Moodley returns from injury to replace Sunette Loubser.
Coach Hilton Moreeng is satisfied that the right combination has been chosen to play well in the subcontinent conditions of Sri Lanka.
“I’m happy with the team that has been chosen,” he said. “We have now reached a point within our squad where every member knows what’s expected of them, and we are blessed with a good number of senior players who have experience in playing in Sri Lankan conditions.
“Danie van den Bergh, Head: Brand, Momentum, said: “We are very pleased with the direction of women’s cricket in South Africa. The ladies are steadily improving and have earned their international move up the ranks. They are playing fast-paced and exciting cricket. We are happy with the progressive move towards fully professionalising the squad so that the ladies can focus on the task ahead. Our vision is to contribute to growing stronger cricket communities for future generations, and this includes supporting our national women’s team as role models for all young South Africans, both boys and girls.”
