South Africa will test their mettle against hosts Sri Lanka and India in the series, which will take place in Colombo.

With seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp unavailable for the tour, much attention will be paid to her understudy, Dercksen. Kapp is currently continuing her conditioning block in preparation for upcoming tours and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which is set to be played in India.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Morgan Piek

The former Free State cricketer, Dercksen, was recently named ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year following an outstanding breakthrough season.

Another Free State all-rounder, Miané Smit, is a step closer to making her senior Proteas debut after being named in the squad. Last year, she was a travelling reserve for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Spinner Seshnie Naidu and wicketkeeper Karabo Meso have also been included in the squad. The uncapped duo represented South Africa at the recent ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi told OFM Sport that Dercksen is a valuable player who will play a key role in Kapp’s absence. 

“She’s a really, really good player – and the scary thing is, she’s still young,” said Mashimbyi. “You know, she’s got a long way to go, and I think there’s still so much more to come from her. That’s the scary part.

“But yes, she plays a vital role in our team, especially now with Kapp not available. She’ll be massive for us going forward.”

Mashimbyi added that the energy and fearlessness that Smit, Naidu, and Meso bring to the team also excites him.

“Having the youngsters in the squad is about exposing them to international cricket as much as possible because I see them as the future flag-bearers of this team,” said the former Eagles (now Knights) seamer.

“I love that they bring a fearless mindset, great energy – and the team really made them feel like they belong during the camp. “So they already feel like they’re part of the team.”

Miané Smit. Photo: ICC

South Africa’s first match of the series is scheduled for 29 April, against India.

Proteas squad for Tri-Series in Sri Lanka - Laura Wolvaardt (Captain, Titans), Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (Lions), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas (Titans), Suné Luus (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Dolphins), Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (Lions)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek