Women's World Cup 2025: Dane van Niekerk unretires, added to training camp
van Niekerk last represented the nation in September 2021.
2 Min Read
Former South Africa Women captain Dane van Niekerk has been included in the training squad for the Women's World Cup 2025. Having last represented the nation in September 2021, the all-rounder retired from all forms of international cricket in March 2023 after not being able to meet Cricket South Africa's fitness requirements.
She has been playing for Western Province in the domestic circuit and has made herself available for selection. She was due to lead the South African outfit at the 2022 Women's World Cup. However, her recovery from an ankle injury took longer than expected. She eventually failed to complete the two-kilometre time trial run in under 9 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Pretoria-born had played for the Western Province in five matches and scored 179 runs in the previous season. She was also the fourth-leading run-getter in the Pro20. Since then, she has confirmed that she would be available to represent the nation again. She broke the news through a post on her official social media account, dated, Monday, August 25.
"I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket. The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country, and I am fully committed to giving everything to once again have that opportunity," the cricketer wrote in a post on her Instagram account.
"I sincerely apologize to Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for how I handled my retirement, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to hopefully one day express my skills again on the international stage. I know the standards of the team and the women's game continue to rise, and I am ready to work hard to meet them. I return with renewed energy, focus, and a deep sense of gratitude for this chance," she mentioned in the post further.
Laura Wolvaardt will lead South Africa Women at next month's event. However, she is not part of this week's training camp due to her involvement with Southern Brave at The Hundred Women's 2025. Van Niekerk's wife, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon are also busy in the UK and will be expected to be part of the upcoming World Cup squad.
The squad will train in Durban this week ahead of their final squad announcement. The group will tour Pakistan for three ODIs between September 16 and 22 ahead of the marquee global tournament, which is set to commence on September 30.
South Africa Women's squad for training camp: 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, Dane van Niekerk
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