Proteas selectors have got the balance of the World Cup squad just right

Johannesburg — No World Cup squad can make everyone happy, but South Africa’s selectors have managed, for the most part, to avoid any need for major gripes in compiling the group that will head to New Zealand next week for the 50-over global showpiece.

That is a tribute to the selectors, coaches and of course the players. In the last five years the South African national women’s team has shown improvement and consistency justifying its current ranking as the no.2 side in the ODI format behind Australia.

Nine of the starters from the gut-wrenching semi final defeat to England in 2017 are in the squad named on Friday, a tenth member, Masbatha Klaas is there too and Raisibe Ntozakhe is amongst the travelling reserves. Injury robbed Dane van Niekerk of adding to that number, but what the selection underscores is the backing the players have received and their own ability to improve in the last few years.

Van Niekerk’s absence, as has been mentioned many times, is a huge blow. It does diminish South Africa’s chances because she has truly stamped her personality on the team, is a major attacking force - especially with the bat - and one of the best leaders in the game currently.

Sune Luus has taken over the captaincy admirably and it’s been noticeable during the series against the West Indies that concludes on Sunday, that she is comfortable in the position. It was notable too that she was at the forefront of strategising how the Proteas wanted to treat this series, placing an emphasis on assessing combinations and tactics rather than only winning against the West Indies.

Because of Van Niekerk’s strong dual role with both bat and ball, it was essential that the Proteas get to grips with how to fill those holes. Lara Goodall