South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt is optimistic about finalizing her team’s best XI for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Speaking before the start of the T20I series against India, Wolvaardt emphasized that the series will be crucial for refining her squad.
“It’s one of our last dress rehearsals before the big occasion,” Wolvaardt said. “We’ll be looking to play as strong an 11 as we can and to have plans that are similar, so we can have them to the World Cup whether they be bowling options or batting line-up. And just try and nail down different combinations.”
Wolvaardt, who took over the South Africa captaincy from Sune Luus less than a year ago, has faced challenges leading the team, with South Africa struggling in T20Is. Under her captaincy, South Africa has lost nine of their last 15 T20Is since the T20 World Cup final last year. “We’ve had a few T20 series in the last couple of tours where we’ve sort of tried one or two things and given some youngsters an opportunity,” Wolvaardt explained. “But for this one, we’ll be looking to play our best side and most likely side to be playing in the World Cup.”
South Africa’s recent performances have been underwhelming, with defeats in their series against Australia and Sri Lanka. “It’s just about for the batting unit to find that extra 10 or 20 runs,” Wolvaardt said. “With the ball, it’s about just being a bit more clinical and a bit more consistent.”
Looking ahead, Wolvaardt plans to experiment with her spin options during the Chennai series. “It’s a good time to maybe see if we could perhaps use a bit more spin in the powerplay or at the death,” she said. “Traditionally we use a lot of spin in the middle, but it could be a good time to experiment with one or two things.”
Wolvaardt also noted the significance of the Chennai conditions, which are different from those in the Test match played earlier. “The wicket looks a bit different for the T20s than on the Test. I think the Test we had that red clay, and this one looks a bit white clear and lighter,” she said.
With the return of spin-bowling allrounder Chloe Tryon from injury, Wolvaardt is hopeful that South Africa will be at full strength for the T20 World Cup. “Obviously, in an ideal world, Marizanne would also be bowling, but other than that we should have everyone on board,” Wolvaardt said.
The three-match T20I series against India will serve as South Africa’s final preparation before the T20 World Cup, offering a last chance for the team to fine-tune their strategies. “We’re pretty close to nailing down the XI for the World Cup,” Wolvaardt concluded.
As South Africa gears up for this crucial series, Wolvaardt’s focus is on balancing experimentation with the need for stability as they prepare for the global tournament.
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