Annerie Dercksen receives her first national contract with Cricket South Africa, while Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker are omitted. The squad retains experienced players including Marizanne Kapp, who remains committed to international play. Despite no new names in the squad, the director of cricket emphasizes the importance of rewarding consistent performances as the team prepares for the ODI World Cup in India.
Annerie Dercksen has received her first national contract with Cricket South Africa after a stellar performance that earned her the title of ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024. Her promotion comes as Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker have been omitted from the contracted group for the 2025-26 season. Goodall and Tucker had been on the fringe of the main squad, while Dercksen has established herself across all formats of the game.
The contracted squad now includes several familiar names: team captain Laura Wolvaardt, former captain Sune Luus, alongside allrounders Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, batter and seamer Anneke Bosch, Ayabonga Khaka, and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Notably, Marizanne Kapp remains in the squad, demonstrating her commitment to international cricket after previously contemplating retirement. Kapp may see the upcoming ODI World Cup as her final tournament while potentially eyeing the subsequent T20 World Cup months later.
There are no new entrants in the squad, indicating a commitment to consistency in South African cricket despite concerns about developing new talent. Notably, Under-19 player Karabo Meso, who has already been capped at the senior level and was recognized in the SA20 Schools competition, did not receive a national contract. However, Enoch Nkwe, the director of cricket, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of the team, citing the intention to reward established performers.
Nkwe stated, “The continuity in the squad recognises the team’s outstanding achievement in reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, highlighting CSA’s commitment to rewarding consistent performance and building on the team’s recent success on the global stage.” As South Africa prepares for a critical year leading up to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, he believes the squad strikes a balance between experience and youthful energy.
Following a period of rest since December, where they faced England, South Africa will engage in a tri-series against Sri Lanka and India in preparation for the World Cup. Additional matches against the West Indies are scheduled for June, including three ODIs and three T20Is.
The South African contracted squad includes: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon, and Laura Wolvaardt.
In conclusion, Annerie Dercksen’s selection for the national contract marks a significant milestone in her career, alongside Marizanne Kapp’s ongoing commitment to the team. The absence of new players may raise questions about emerging talent, yet the emphasis on squad consistency reflects Cricket South Africa’s focus on building upon past successes. With upcoming international competitions ahead, particularly the Women’s World Cup, the contracted squad remains prepared to uphold the nation’s cricketing reputation.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
