South African Women’s Team Captain Dane van Niekerk Out Of ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 Due To Injury

South Africa women’s team captain Dan van Niekerk will miss the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 to be played in New Zealand in March-April after suffering a fractured ankle. She will also miss the upcoming West Indies ODIs at home.

Niekerk will be out of action for three months after sustaining a left ankle fracture in the last week at home in Gqeberha and will also miss a training camp as the team steps up preparations for the forthcoming assignments.

“The injury is a result of an accidental slip on a wet surface at home. As things stand, she doesn’t require surgery but will be monitored closely. It’s a stable fracture with minimal displacement and her recovery timeline is no less than 12 weeks,” team doctor Tshegofatso Gaetsewe said.

This is Niekerk’s second serious injury as she had previously missed a series against Pakistan in March last year with a lower-back injury but returned for the Hundred, where she captained Oval Invincibles to the title, South Africa’s tour to the West Indies and the WBBL.

South Africa Yet To Name A Replacement Captain For The Women’s World Cup 2022

Cricket South Africa (CSA) had named a group of 21 players for the camp, including senior names Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Lizelle Lee, among others. It also included uncapped players such as Western Province batter Delmari Tucker and also Raisibe Ntozakhe.

However, the board is yet to name a replacement captain in place of Dane van Niekerk, but previously, Sune Luus did the job in van Niekerk’s absence.

“This is a great opportunity for the coaches to work with this strong group of players and strategically set out the plan for the upcoming series and then moving into the World Cup.

“Losing Dané is massive for the team and the country, we will sorely miss her leadership and all-round cricket abilities. I would like to wish her all the best with her recovery and a smooth and seamless return to the national team,” convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said.

After the 10-day camp, South Africa will play a warm-up against the visiting West Indies side on January 25 before the ODIs on January 28 and 31, and February 3 and 6, in Johannesburg.

Training squad: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Tumi Sekhukhune Nondumiso Shangase, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Delmari Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt

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