Image Credit- CSA
Chloe Tryon returns after missing South Africa’s last
Test, a drawn match against England in Taunton in June 2022, while six players
have earned their first Test call-ups for the one-off match in Australia, which
will be played at Perth’s WACA ground on February 15. Tazmin Brits, Masabata
Klaas, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Delmi Tucker, and Mieke de Ridder are the
six first-timers.
The remaining members of the team were all included in
the playing XI for that Test: Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sune Luus, Sinalo
Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Laura Wolvaardt (who is currently the all-format
captain), and Marizanne Kapp (who scored 150 and 43 not out in that Test).
All the players in the Test squad are already in
Australia for the ongoing ODI series. Ayabonga Khaka, who is also with the ODI
squad, has “chosen not to participate in red-ball cricket”, a CSA
statement said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us as a team,”
head coach Hilton Moreeng said. “It’s [a Test] another one in a while
again, so I think especially with the youngsters, they’re very excited to
challenge themselves and to test their skills in the longer format and in
women’s cricket, it hasn’t been something we’ve been familiar with. We’ve had
an opportunity to prepare for it and playing in an iconic stadium, it’s an
opportunity that every youngster wants to grab and test their skills against,
so it’s exciting times for women’s cricket and one we’re looking forward to as
a team.”
Convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said, “We
are contemplating strategic adjustments within the batting lineup for the Test
match. Additionally, we aim to provide opportunities to players who have been
part of the tour, while also assessing prospects for future Test matches. Our
focus is on structuring the lineup to achieve the right balance within our
squad.
“Test cricket introduces an element of
excitement, particularly for those players experiencing it for the first time.
I look forward to observing the squad members and their performances within the
red-ball arena.”