Johannesburg, Nov 21 (NationPress) Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk has been included in the national lineup for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland, scheduled from December 5 to 19.

Dane initially announced her retirement from international cricket in March 2023 after failing to meet CSA's fitness standards, which prevented her from participating in the home T20 World Cup. However, she reversed her retirement in August and is now set to rejoin the Proteas for the first time since September 2021.

Her recent performances with both bat and ball for the WSB Western Province in domestic cricket have been noteworthy. Dane has also earned a spot in the 20-member training squad for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, where South Africa finished as runners-up.

“After an exhilarating journey to the Cricket World Cup final, showcasing the team’s top-tier talent, we are eager to embrace this new phase for the squad,” said a spokesperson.

“As we prepare for the match against Ireland, we view this as a chance to explore the possibilities within our player pool, offering vital international experience while adhering to our developmental strategies as we gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup and the ultimate goal of the 2029 50-over World Cup.”

“Dane’s inclusion reflects her significant domestic performance, characterized by consistency and skill. We are excited about her contributions in both formats,” remarked Clinton du Preez, the Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors.

The T20I squad also welcomes several international returnees, including top-order batter Faye Tunnicliffe, who is back after strong domestic performances, along with leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu.

The rest of the squad comprises captain Laura Wolvaardt, experienced all-rounders Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, and Annerie Dercksen. The bowling lineup features left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba and pace bowlers Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, while wicketkeepers Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso will share the duties.

In the ODI format, with a clear focus on the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup, all-rounder Leah Jones has received her first international call-up for the 50-over series, potentially debuting alongside Faye and left-handed batter Lara Goodall, who returns to the national squad for the first time since the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi and all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx are also back after missing ODI World Cup selections, joining Laura, Sune, Nonkululeko, Nondumiso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Miane Smit, and opening batter Tazmin Brits, who is resting for the T20I series while completing her return-to-play program following a shoulder injury sustained during the World Cup semi-final against India.

“The ODI series will provide ideal conditions for us to start shaping our strategy for the next World Cup cycle, especially with the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029,” added the spokesperson.

“Leah Jones and several other domestic talents have shown remarkable growth and maturity in their game. This is an incredible opportunity for her to elevate her performance to the international stage,” du Preez noted.

CSA confirmed that among those resting or focusing solely on the T20I series are Marizanne, Ayabonga, Masabata, Chloe, Nadine, and Annerie, while Anneke Bosch will return to domestic cricket with the Titans.

“This period is filled with potential and fresh energy following our World Cup campaign. Reflecting and resetting were essential, and we believe we have achieved that effectively. As we head into the Ireland tour, we carry a renewed sense of enthusiasm and aim to inspire our home crowd,” said head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

The opening T20I is scheduled for December 5 at Newlands Cricket Ground, marking the Proteas’ return to the venue since their historic first T20 World Cup final in February 2023. The series will continue at Boland Park and Willowmoore Park on December 7 and 10, respectively.

ODI matches will be held on December 13, 16, and 19 at Buffalo Park Stadium, St George’s Park, and Wanderers Stadium, respectively. The South Africa T20I squad will gather in Cape Town on November 29 to commence preparations for the first match.

South Africa T20I squad: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk.

South Africa ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk.