South Africa will face Pakistan in this month’s three-match women’s ODI series without the vastly experienced Marizanne Kapp. Cricket South Africa confirmed on Thursday that the all-rounder is being “rested as a precaution” after she felt discomfort following her spell with the ball in Monday’s final T20I in Benoni.
“Following further medical assessments, the Proteas Women medical team has opted to rest her as a precaution,” CSA’s statement read. Kapp had bowled three overs with the new ball in each of the final two T20Is, but she scored just nine runs across the pair of games and did not bat at all in the third, when South Africa were dismissed for 91 chasing 145.
With Kapp out, 18-year-old seamer-all-rounder Fay Cowling comes in for a first senior call-up. Cowling, who represents the Lions and has already turned out for South Africa Under-19s, impressed coaches during last month’s national pre-season camp in Tshwane. “It’s a bit surreal but I’m ready to learn and contribute,” she said in a brief comments release.
Proteas women’s head coach Hilton Moreeng sounded equally upbeat. The teenager’s height and ability to swing the new ball, he noted, “give us another genuine option, especially with Marizanne sitting out”. Moreeng added that Kapp’s workload continues to be closely managed with a busy year ahead, including a potential UK tour later in the season.
The three ODIs – part of the ICC Women’s Championship – are set for 22 February in Bloemfontein, 25 February in Centurion and 1 March in Durban. South Africa took the preceding T20I series 2-1 and remain confident despite their talismanic all-rounder’s absence.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Fay Cowling, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe
