Hosts South Africa, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, lost both the white-ball series (3-0 in T20Is and 2-1 in ODIs) against England, led by skipper Heather Knight. The all-format series commenced on 24th November 2024 and concluded with a heavy defeat for the hosts in the one-off Test at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
After opting to bat first, England posted a massive total of 395/9 before skipper Heather Knight declared the innings after the completion of 92 overs. After conceding a huge total, credit to South Africa for their batters came out with an intent to hunt down that total.
The South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt played the anchor role to perfection as the home side continued to build the momentum for the innings via substantial partnerships of 92 for the 2nd wicket and just when she looked all set to step on the accelerator she was adjudged Leg Before Wicket (LBW) in the 45th over of the innings and a partnership worth 25 runs for the 3rd wicket was broken by Sophie Ecclestone.
Skipper Wolvaardt was visibly distraught and unhappy with the on-field call, gesturing to the umpire that she got a bit of a bat on it. However, the lack of assistance from technology with the absence of a Decision Review System (DRS) for this ongoing one-off Test match at Bloemfontein meant she had to settle with the on-field decision, without having the facility to have a relook at it.
Wolvaardt’s response to the injustice on the field led to a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, finding her guilty of violating Article 2.8. As a result, she has been handed one demerit point in her disciplinary record, it is her first instance of a breach in the last two years. The South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt admitted the offense and accepted the proposed sanction and as a result, no formal hearing was required.
Under such circumstances of a level 1 breach, the fine is a maximum of 50% of the player’s match fee along with one or two demerit points.
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