Luus respects captain Van Niekerk's return for T20 World Cup: 'I'll support her'

Proteas all-rounder Sune Luus respects the much-anticipated return of regular captain Dane van Niekerk ahead of the T20 Women's World Cup in South Africa.

Luus took over as captain after Van Niekerk's freak injury earlier this year.

Van Niekerk sustained a left ankle fracture in January, which saw her miss the entire Proteas women's calendar year, including the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

During her absence, Luus had to shoulder most of the responsibility, which included the shocking retirement of Lizelle Lee and a poor showing in England.

In August, Van Niekerk returned to action for the Oval Invincibles at the Hundred, playing only three games in the women's competition.

Van Niekerk has participated in numerous camps and got some much-needed game time with the South Africa Emerging side. 

Luus told News24 Sport at the T20 Women's World Cup launch on Monday that she understood that Van Niekerk would return as captain for next year's T20 World Cup.

"Dane is still our full-time skipper, she'll come back for the World Cup and that's still her job and I'll support her and the coaching staff's decision with that," said Luus.

"When the time is right and the management staff want me as Proteas captain, I'll step in. But for now, she's still the skipper and I'll respect that."

READ | Luus says Proteas will gain confidence in hosting T20 Women's World Cup

Hilton Moreeng's side started the year in strong fashion, beating the West Indies 2-1 in an ODI series. They then suffered only two defeats at the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand - bowing out in the semi-finals after losing to England.

After a three-month break, the Proteas women were back in action when they toured Ireland. There they clinched the T20 series 2-1