The mighty Proteas signify the most valiant qualities in the cricketing community. With planning, precision, persistence, and performances of the highest quality, they’re known for their eminent mastery over different aspects of the game. Although they still do not have an ICC trophy in their cabinet, the chances of them gaining one in the near future is greatly positive.
Recently, 24-year-old Laura Wolvaardt did not show eager signs of taking up the leadership position in the team when asked in an interview. This topic came in after subsequent retirements of experienced campaigners within the past year which included former captains Dane van Niekerk, Mignon du Preez, and fellow senior players Lizelle Lee, Shabnim Ismail, and Trisha Chetty.
“(Leadership) That’s not something I really thought about too much while growing up. I didn’t really feel like I knew enough about the game to be telling people what they should or should not be doing with theirs, maybe it is something I will start looking at as I become a more senior player within the team”. Wolvaardt said.
Back in January 2023, Sune Luus took over leadership from Van Niekerk on a temporary basis, after which she was announced as the captain that would lead South Africa in the World Cup that took place in February 2023. Luus led her team to the Final making her the first Proteas captain, male or female to do so.
It was a commendable feat which she achieved, considering there were numerous other variables she battled through and ensured her team performed to the pinnacle of their abilities. However, amidst all of this, her individual performances came crashing to the ground as her contribution with the bat did not make much of a difference to the scoreboard.
Due to the exit of several mainstay senior players, it leaves the team with minimal options as there remain only a few others who have the abilities of a natural leader instilled in them. It keeps Wolvaardt as a serious contender for the post of captain. The right-handed batter already has to her name seven years of experience on the international stage and is a regular for various franchise tournaments that take place around the world where she obtains immaculate exposure coming from top players around the world.
The Cape Town girl has phenomenal numbers which include 3193 runs in ODI’s with an average of 45.6 and 1079 runs in T20I’s at an average of 31. The top-order batter possesses strong determination and sets a remarkable example as a disciplined and dedicated athlete. This could potentially bring about a significant transformation in the way the Proteas team approaches their fitness and conditioning, setting new standards for excellence.
In a recently concluded event, Laura expressed how the pay scale differs for men and women cricketers and that it gets her frustrated. Although, she also did admit the fact that she understands the differences arise due to TV rights and the popularity of men’s cricket as opposed to women’s.
As the clock keeps ticking, South Africa will slowly start preparing for a bumper tour to Australia next year where they face off with a team comprising renowned global superstars. The Proteas team management will continue their hunt for a captain that can marshal the team in the coming years and get home the many accolades that the women’s cricketing circuit has to offer.
(Quotes sourced from Independent Online)
