Proteas women using tri-series to prepare for World Cup

The Proteas will rely on the ODI tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India over the next couple of weeks to prepare for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, according to national captain Laura Wolvaardt.

The tri-series in Colombo started on Sunday, with India thumping Sri Lanka by nine wickets, and the SA team will open their campaign against India on Tuesday (starting at 6.30am).

In the build-up to the World Cup, to be played in India in September and October, Wolvaardt said this series was crucial, with only one more series to be played against West Indies before the tournament starts.

The Proteas have not played a match since they turned out against England on home soil in December last year.

“I’m really glad they made this tour happen. I think if we had to wait all the way from December until the West Indies tour (in June) it would have been a bit too long,” Wolvaardt said yesterday.

“It’s obviously really exciting to play against two really good teams in tough conditions that probably suit them a bit more than us.

“We’ve had some good prep . We’ve had some camps during the last couple of months… and hopefully we’re able to start on the right foot.”

Adjusting to conditions

The national squad features three uncapped players – wicketkeeper/batter Karabo Meso, all-rounder Miané Smit and spinner Seshnie Naidu – and while it was unclear if any of them would play today, Wolvaardt hoped they would all get game time during the ODI series.

Even for the experienced players in the team, the skipper felt this tour would offer real value as part of their preparations for the global showpiece.

“Spending as much time in the sub-continent as we can before the main event is important. Just the batters spending time in the middle facing their spinners for long periods of time is super important,” Wolvaardt said.

“It’s extremely hot and humid here, and we’re expecting similar conditions in India later this year, so hopefully we can get the bodies used to fielding in the warm sun as well.”

After Tuesday’s match against India, South Africa will face Sri Lanka on Friday, and they will turn out against both teams again next week ahead of the tri-series final to be played next Sunday.