Tryon says Proteas determined to make impact in Birmingham: 'We want to leave a legacy'

The Proteas women cannot wait for the opportunity to step out on the field and represent Team SA at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

South Africa will face New Zealand in their opening Group B clash on Saturday at Edgbaston.

Following a difficult tour of England, where they drew the only Test and lost both the T20 and ODI series, the Proteas will be hoping for a change in fortunes as cricket returns to the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 1998.

At the Kuala Lumpur Games, the men's team led by Shaun Pollock walked away with the gold medal in the 50-over tournament, beating Australia in the final. 

Proteas all-rounder and vice-captain Chloe Tryon says they are looking forward to the unique experience that the Games will afford them. 

"We are really excited. When we heard the news that women's cricket will be in the Commonwealth Games, we were all buzzed about it. Being Team South Africa and representing them will be fantastic," said Tryon.

"We are excited for the experience; the girls are eager to get out there and start playing again. We had a couple of days off to get ourselves ready and get into the Team South Africa clothes and go represent."

Proteas coach Hilton Moreen believes the tournament will be tough and predicts a close contest. 

"The fact that it is T20 cricket, it makes it closer and makes it tough," he said. 

"These teams we are playing against are all dangerous. We've recently played England in a tour, and on the back of that, we know what they are capable of. We know New Zealand has very dangerous players, and even Sri Lanka is not a team you can right off.

"So, on the day in T20 cricket, you need to be on your feet and very sharp, and the good thing for us is that we have the match fitness and