Cricket
Laura Wolvaardt Opens Up on Proteas' ODI Woes and India Test Match Hopes
Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt discusses the team's ODI struggles in India, areas for improvement, and their hopes for the upcoming Test match against India
Image Credits: AP7AM
Proteas Women captain Laura Wolwaardt has been a standout player for the South African side but it was not enough as the side suffered a 3-0 ODI series defeat in India.
“It has been disappointing, with our record in India and having played so well last time in the ODI series we were obviously expecting to win at least a couple [games]. Losing points in the ICC qualification is also not ideal, it has put us in a tricky spot with some must win games coming up,” Wolwaardt told SportsBoom.com.
Areas of Concern
Wolwaardt highlighted a few areas of concern, which have hindered the side’s success in India.
“Overall consistency, we had a game where we nearly chased 225 then we had a game we got rolled for 100 odd. We just need to find a balance and put up performances on a more consistent basis. Whether it is consistently at 260, at least we can work with that but the up and down is frustrating. We know we have the talent and skills to score 300 plus, it’s just about doing more often.”
Our fielding was good overall and we bowled very well in patches. Our powerplay bowling was really good, maybe just our death bowling could’ve been a bit better.
Laura Wolvaardt
Reliant on Key Members
Questions still linger whether there is over reliance on key players such as Wolwaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.
Wolwaardt replied, “Cricket is a bit of a funny game, sometimes players are on-form at certain times while other players are not. I do however think the wheel will turn at some stage, I am lucky to find myself in good form at the moment.
“Earlier this year in Australia, I couldn’t buy a run and was sort of carried by the rest of the line-up. Obviously, Kappy [Marizanne] is a world-class player, it will come off more often than not with her but I do think we have a team of match winners, it’s just about them finding confidence and hitting a good run of form.”
Image Credits: ARY News
Ups and Downs of Leading the Proteas Women Side
“There are ups and downs, it hurts more when we lose knowing I captained that game and had a big role to play in some of the decisions that were made. So there is a lot more post-match reflection than there was,” she added.
“Whereas before, I sort of had to reflect on the single shot that got me out but now there are many moments I have to look at, for example which bowlers I should’ve bowled and certain field placings. But I am enjoying it and still have a lot to learn, which I’m sort of learning on the job.”
The Next Challenge
Proteas Women will play a one-off Test vs India, where Wolwaardt highlighted key objectives for the fixture.
“It will be a massive challenge, test matches in India are not easy. The nets today were low and slow, I think it will be a massive adaptation for us in the middle as a batting group but we are really excited for the challenge.”
It’s really special to play a test match out there and challenge yourself in the humidity and the tough conditions. That is what cricket is all about, we really excited and hopefully put up a decent performance,” she concluded.
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.