Following England’s dominant 3-0 win in the Twenty20 International (T20I) series and a 2-1 win in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against hosts South Africa, the bilateral series moves to its final leg, the 4-day One-Off Test. This first women’s Test in South Africa since 2002 gets underway on the 15th of December 2024 at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, starting at 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
South Africa women’s cricket team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
England women’s cricket team
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Seren Smale, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Grace Potts
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 6 Test innings, has accumulated 186 runs at an average of 62, with the highest score of 122. Laura has consistently been among the runs of late, extending her momentum into this series by registering scores of 59*, 35, and 61 in the 3 ODIs. Earlier this year, in a Test against India, Laura recorded scores of 20 and 122 and can be trusted to lead the scoring for her side once again.
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder, from 3 Tests, has posted 317 runs at an average of 63.40, with her career-best score of 150 notably coming against England. Marizanne has had a rare quiet patch with the bat of late but has stepped up with the ball, scalping 7 wickets in the 3 ODIs against England in this series. In the Test against India, she recorded scores of 74 and 31 and should be backed to regain her form with the bat while also producing wickets.
Heather Knight
The 33-year-old all-rounder, from 21 Test innings, has amassed 803 runs at an average of 49.11, with four fifties and two centuries, including the highest score of 168*, while also taking 7 wickets from 9 innings. Heather was in outstanding form leading up to this series but hasn’t scored many yet. In her recent Test outings, also against India, she departed for 11 and 21 but can be trusted to deliver the goods.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 32-year-old all-rounder, in Tests, has racked up 649 runs from 16 innings at an average of 43.26 and has picked up 11 wickets from 15 innings at an economy rate of 2.65. Nat registered consecutive scores of 59 and 67* in the first two T20Is of this series but departed for ducks in two ODIs and scored 20 in the other, while picking up just a couple of wickets. She can be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Mangaung Oval are favorable for bowlers, particularly pacers, due to its bounce and seam, while spinners also remain in play throughout. As the game progresses, the wicket tends to improve for batting, promising a healthy contest.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to hover around the high 20s (°C), with moderate winds and humidity in the 40s. However, it is not all ideal, as three of the four Test days in Bloemfontein could see rain spells.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Laura Wolvaardt, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Chloé Tryon
Match details:
Date – December 15 – 18, 2024
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Jio Cinema app and website.
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