Coach Mandla Mashimbyi backs South Africa Women batters ahead of West Indies tour

Mandla Mashimbyi spoke about some of the key changes in the South African Women's squad for the tour of the West Indies. While the South African Women's team did not feature the experienced Marizanne Kapp in their subcontinent tour for the tri series against India and Sri Lanka, she is back in the squad for the tour of the Carribean Islands.

Additionally, Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi have also returned to the squad. Mashimbyi claimed that these choices were made purely considering the nature of the playing conditions in Sri Lanka opposed to the West Indies. He added that it was also about testing the strengths of emerging players at the highest level.

"Bringing the three ladies in now wasn't because we were bad, it was simply about giving opportunities to the new bowlers to see what they can do as well. We need to pick the right players for the conditions, and you must give as many opportunities to as many people to see what are the best combinations going forward," Mashimbyi was quoted as saying by Sabcsport.

Coach backs South Africa women's batting amid changes

Seshnie Naidu and Lara Goodall had to make way for Tumi and Hlubi for the series against the West Indies. Goodall's form has cost her a spot in the squad. Only Annerie Dercksen performed well for the Proteas in the tri-series, while Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits did their bit. 

The South African Women's Coach added that the batting form wasn't a concern for them and acted as an opportunity to see how the batters perform in the middle phase. He claimed that the players will understand their role soon before the start of the Women's ODI World Cup in India.

"It's not a concern per se. This is what the Sri Lankan tour has given us an opportunity to see, and to find out the formula for the middle passage of the game. The ladies will soon come to fully understand what their role within the team is, so that we won't have to have these conversations at the World Cup," Mashimbyi concluded.