By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Proteas Women’s captain Dané van Niekerk has officially revoked her retirement from international cricket and has been invited to form part of the extended training camp squad ahead of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup.
The South Africa has been included in a 20-member squad to participate in a home camp as the Proteas prepare for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Taking to her social media, Dane van Niekerk wrote in a statement, “I’m thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke from retirement from international cricket.
“The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country and I’m fully committed to give everything to once again have that opportunity.”
The national training camp has been scheduled to commence on 25 August in Durban and will continue through September.
Following the completion of the camp, South Africa will travel to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series starting on 16 September – their final assignment ahead of the Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Van Niekerk could come into consideration for selection for the Pakistan series and the Women’s World Cup, but the 32-year-old said she wasn’t looking too far ahead.
“It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I definitely wouldn’t have gone through all of this if I’m not willing to put that in,” Van Niekerk said.
“This is just almost a baseline for me to really gauge where I’m at when it comes to the physical side, when it comes to the skill side, and all those things and hopefully I can have a clearer view after this camp.”
Missing out on the 20-member squad to take part in the camp are skipper Laura Wolvaardt along with allrounders Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp, who are currently featuring in The Hundred.
The final squads for the Pakistan tour and the 50-over World Cup will be announced in the first week of September.
Full Proteas Women National Training Camp Squad
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe and Dané van Niekerk.