Dane van Niekerk returns to South Africa team for white-ball series vs Ireland

Cricket South Africa has recalled former South African captain Dane van Niekerk for a white-ball series against Ireland in December.

The 32-year-old, who last represented South Africa in September 2021, rescinded her international retirement in August of this year. She has been selected for both the T20I and ODI squads following a good domestic season. Van Niekerk scored four half-centuries and a 40 in her last six innings for Western Province Women.

Van Niekerk isn’t the only one returning to the international cricket scene. Top-order batsman Faye Tunnicliffe and leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu have also been named to the series after impressive performances in the local circuit.

The bilateral series has helped manage the workloads of several elite players. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen have all been rested for the ODI leg. Anneke Bosch has withdrawn totally for domestic reasons.

Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, stated that the Ireland series provides an excellent opportunity to “take a closer look at the options within our playing pool”.

“Dane’s return is a result of her notable domestic form. Leah Jones, along with several other domestic performers, has shown growth and maturity in her game,” du Preez was quoted as saying by.

South Africa will kickstart the assignment by taking on the Irish at Newlands in Cape Town. The primary focus of this series will be the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place next year.