Proteas women adjusting to life without Mignon but chances for youngsters await in Ireland

The Proteas women are taking their first steps of life without Mignon du Preez, the great former captain who retired from ODI and Test formats after the Women's World Cup in New Zealand this year.

Voids like the one she leaves don't just close instantly like Wolverine's wounds. It's like the Proteas men losing Jacques Kallis' runs and match-winning ability.

Du Preez closed the books on her 50-over career as South Africa's leading run-scorer with 3 760 runs at an average of 32.98.

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Although Du Preez is available for T20s, the Proteas have begun blooding new players who can fill the batting order gap and, if nothing, boost squad reserves while accentuating selection headaches.

First stop: Ireland, where South Africa will play three T20s and three ODIs starting Friday before touring England.

"It's obviously a big loss not having Mignon here. She's been a part of the squad and an anchor for the team," said captain Sune Luus.

"But it's an opportunity for some of the younger girls to put up their hands. We've got a few batters here: Andrie Steyn is back in the squad, as well as Lara Goodall and Tazmin Brits.

"It's a great opportunity for them to make a spot in the team their own. There's going to be a lot of competition in this tournament but it's just for the players to fight it out and see who can get that final spot going into the England series."

It's the first time the Proteas have gathered since the Women's World Cup semi-final defeat to England, where they had a chance to advance into the final or win the competition for the first time.

Luus said she didn't have much personal time off after the showpiece due to