Laura Wolvaardt to lead South Africa women's team in Test and ODI series against India

NEW DELHI: Laura Wolvaardt has been named captain of South Africa women's Test and ODI teams for their upcoming tour of India, starting on June 16. The tour kicks off with three ODIs in Bengaluru before moving to Chennai for a one-off Test and T20Is, with the squad for the T20I series to be announced later.South Africa will be missing the experienced trio of Lara Goodall (hamstring injury), Chloe Tryon (back), and Ayanda Hlubi (groin), as they are currently recovering from injuries. However, there is a possibility they might be included in the T20I squad later.Interim coach Dillon du Preez emphasized the importance of preparing to face Indian spinners as a crucial part of their training for the tour. "We had a big focus on options against spin and it was good to see the buy-in from the team. We also have new management involved, so this would be a great opportunity for them to find their feet before we come back and start our preparation for the [women's T20] World Cup [in September in Bangladesh]," Du Preez stated.Du Preez also highlighted the importance of staying calm under pressure and quickly adapting to conditions. "The key for us would be to assess the conditions as soon as possible, be calm under pressure, and try and play key moments in the game better than the opposition. We all know a series against India in India will always be tough," he added.South Africa Test/ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker.(Inputs from PTI)