In a significant move, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has opted to introduce a more flexible approach to its existing fitness criteria for team selection, affecting both the men’s and women’s cricket teams. The decision, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, comes as CSA acknowledges the need to strike a balance between rigorous fitness standards and the practical realities faced by players.

Under the revised guidelines, players will still need to meet a minimum fitness standar?d as mandated by CSA. However, a notable change is that failing to complete the two-kilometer run within the stipulated time will no longer be an absolute barrier to selection. This adjustment aims to ensure that players who display exceptional cricketing skills and contributions are not unfairly sidelined due to a singular fitness test result.

Addressing past challenges

The catalyst for this change can be traced back to a series of unfortunate instances in the recent past. Several prominent players, including former captain Dane van Niekerk and wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee, found themselves sidelined after failing to meet the stringent fitness requirements. Van Niekerk’s inability to complete the two-kilometer run within the time limit and Lee’s weight exceeding the prescribed limit had led to their exclusion from matches and opportunities to participate in overseas leagues.

It is worth noting that van Niekerk’s fitness test failure occurred during a treadmill-based assessment, where she fell short by a mere 18 seconds. This marginal shortfall led to her being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad. Both van Niekerk and Lee have since retired from professional cricket.

Also READ: Oval Invincibles skipper Dane van Niekerk ruled out of the tournament due to thumb fracture

Unchanged fitness benchmarks for 2023-24 season

Despite the introduction of a more flexible approach, CSA emphasizes that the fitness benchmarks for the upcoming 2023-24 season will remain consistent. Male players are still expected to complete a two-kilometer run in under 8.30 minutes, while their female counter?parts have a target of under?? 9.30 minutes.

To maintain accountability and ensure a reasonable level of fitness among players, CSA will continue to co?nduct fitness tests twice during the season. The first round of testing will take place just before the commencement of competition in September, followed by a mid-season assessment in December-January.

Players who fall short of the two-kilometer run time or recommended skinfold measurements will now be subject to the discretion of national coaches regarding their participation. This adjustment acknowledges that fitness is just one facet of a player’s overall contribution to the team and aims to prevent undue exclusion based solely on fitness test outcomes.

Also READ: WBBL 2023 – Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry re-signs with Sydney Sixers

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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As The Hundred Women 2023 reaches its midway point, the competition’s intensity continues to rise, with teams vying for crucial victories in the unique league format. Southern Brave currently leads the points table, having secured 8 points from 4 wins out of 5 matches. However, Oval Invincibles, one of the tournament’s strong contenders, has been dealt a significant blow with the unfortunate exit of their skipper, Dane van Niekerk.

The Oval Invincibles suffered a setback when Van Niekerk was ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Hundred due to a fracture in her right thumb. The injury occurred during a match against Manchester Originals, and subsequent scans revealed an intra-articular fracture that necessitates surgical int??ervention. Prior to her injury, van Niekerk had showcased her prowess with the bat, amassing 44 runs across two matches.

Also READ: Northern Superchargers beat Manchester Originals in a thriller; Oval Invincibles keep Birmingham Phoenix winless

Regrettably, Van Niekerk’s absence was felt keenly in the following fixture, where the Invincibles faced defeat against Northern Superchargers. Currently positioned at the fourth spot on the points table with 5 points, the team has won two out of five games, with one fixture ending in a no-result.

Suzie Bates to lead Oval Invincibles in the absence of Van Niekerk

In response to this challenging situation, the Oval Invincibles have appointed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates as the stand-in captain in van Niekerk’s absence. The team management conveyed their gratitude to Van Niekerk for her continued support and dedication. Despite her injury, Van Niekerk expressed her commitment to her teammates and her willingness to contribute in any way possible.

“I’m very sad to be ruled out of the tournament. I felt like I was hitting my stride in the game against the Originals, so to get injured in the same match is incredibly frustrating. I’ll stay with the group to offer Suzie and the team all the support I can. I am very grateful to everyone that offered me their kind wishes after I missed the Superchargers game – it means a great amount,” van Niekerk stated in a heartfelt statement.

Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail takes a brilliant hat-trick in The Hundred Women 2023

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk has announced her retirement from international cricket. She was left out of the squad for last month’s Women’s T20 World Cup after failing to meet the minimum criteria for fitness.

The 29-year-old said she was “absolutely broken” by that decision.

Announcing her retirement, Van Niekerk said: “It has been the greatest honour to lead and represent my country. I am incredibly blessed to have led the team through its transformative years.

“I look back on my career fondly and have made incredible memories.

“Often the journey can be lonely, painful, and emotional, but would not change it for anything. I’m grateful for what this game has given me.”

Her wife and teammate Marizanne Kapp was granted compassionate leave ahead of the T20 World Cup before returning to the squad, which eventually fini??shed as the runners-up after losing to Australia in the finals.

It was Kapp who first gave the hint of Van Niekerk’s retirement when she tweeted an “End of Era” message on Saturday followed by the ex-Sou?th Africa skipper sharing an Instagram story suggesting her time in the international game was done??.

“You have to accept that some chapters in our lives have to close without closures,” Van Niekerk captioned her post. “There is no point in losing yourself by trying to fix what’s meant to stay broken.”

The couple has shared several messages since then. On Thursday morning, Kapp wrote, “heart breaks” for her wife, who “deserves so much better,” while Van Niekerk tweeted “that’s all,” alongwith a heartbroken emoji.

💔 thats all.

— Danevn81 (@Danevn811) March 16, 2023

Van Niekerk, who is currently representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023, played 194 international matches for South Africa across all formats an?d was the f?irst Proteas bowler to claim 100 scalps in ODIs for the Rainbow Nation.

Source: WomenCricket.com

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Here is the career recap of retiring South African cricketer Dane Van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk was the first South African female cricketer to be inducted into the men’s side at the Eastern Province cricket academy.

She debuted for the Proteas in the? 2009 World Cup, starting off with impressive figures of 3/11?? in her 2nd game.

In 2013, Van Niekerk became the first Proteas women to take a hat-trick, finishing with 5??/28 in an ODI against the West Indies in St??. Kitts.

Van Niekerk was made South Africa’s captain across formats in 2016 when Migon du Preez gave up the role.

She wa??s the highest w?icket-taker in the 2017 World Cup.

She took 4/0 against West Indies in 2017?? World Cup, becoming the first ever bowler (male or female) to take four wickets without conceding a single run.

Van Ni?ekerk is only the 6th player to have scored 1000 runs, taken 50 wickets and 50 catches in ODIs.

The Pret?oria-born cricketer bid? farewell to international cricket in March 2023.

In 194 international matches, Van ?Niekerk has scored 4074 runs and? taken 204 wickets.

Van Niekerk is currently representing the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023, and h?as yet to make her debut in the 20-over showpiece event. The Bangaluru-based franchise will play their next fixture against Gujarat Giants on Saturday, March 18. RCB have won one game out of their six games so far, and their chances of qualifying in the playoffs are quite difficult. It will be interesting to see if Van Niekerk will get the debut cap in the next match.

Source: WomenCricket.com

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Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk was perplexed after Australian broadcaster ‘Fox Sports’ wrote a story about her with a controversial headline. Van Niekerk took to her official Twitter handle to call the publication out for referring to her as a ‘fat-shamed star’ in the headline regarding the all-rounder’s retirement from international cricket.

The publication wrote the article with the controversial title, “Meant to stay broken’: Fat-shamed cricket star to retire after 2km cut-off controversy.”

This naturally didn’t go down well with Van Niekerk as she questioned the publication on their weird headline. She took to Twitter and wrote, “Excuse me?? Fat shamed?? Are u serious??”

Excuse me?? Fat shamed?? Are u serious??//t.co/ioFw4k1kjB

— Danevn81 (@Danevn811) March 14, 2023

Notably, Van Niekerk had shared a cryptic post on her Instagram story a few days ago, which hinted that she had decided to hang her boots. Later, her teammate and wife, Marizanne Kapp, confirmed the development.

“You have to accept that some chapters in our lives have to close without closure. There is no point in losing yourself by trying to fix what’s meant to stay broken,” Van Niekerk had written on Instagram.

“Sometimes it feels like I am the one who’s retiring, just so heartbreaking. We’ve grown up in the South Africa team. It was difficult to hear the decision. She seems in a better place mentally, and that’s what matters,” Kapp had said.

Van Niekerk is currently plying her trade in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023, where she is part of the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but she has yet to make her debut in the 20-over showpiece event. The Bangaluru-based franchise will play their next fixture against UP Warriorz on Wednesday, March 15. RCB have lost all their five games so far, and their chances of qualifying in the playoffs are quite difficult. It will be interesting to see if Van Niekerk will get the debut cap.??

Source: WomenCricket.com

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Former captain of the South Africa women’s cricket team Dane van Niekerk has decided to hang her boots from international cr??icket.

Her teammate and wife, Marizanne Kapp, confirmed the news after Gujarat Giants (GG) versus Delhi Capitals (DC) match at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in Mumbai on Saturday, March 11.

“Sometimes it feels like I am the one who’s retiring, just so heartbreaking. We’ve grown up in the South Africa team. It was difficult to hear the decision. She seems in a better place mentally and that’s what matters,” said Kapp.

Earlier in the day, Niekerk shared a cryptic post on her Instagram account, saying: “You have to accept that some chapters in our lives have to close without closure. There is no point in losing yourself by trying to fix what’s meant to stay broken.”

One of the shrewdest captains in women’s cricket, Van Niekerk’s decision to retire comes a month and a half after her non-selection in the Proteas squad for the T20 World Cup last month. According to the selectors, Van Niekerk failed to pass the fitness test of a 2km training run by 18 seconds and was, therefore, left out of the squad. In her absence, Sune Luus led the South African team to their maiden World Cup final, which they eventually lost to Australia by 19 runs.

As far as Van Niekerk’s cricketing career is concerned, she made her international debut in 2009 against West Indies and went on to r??epr?esent South Africa in 107 ODIs, amassing 2175 runs and taking 138 wickets. In T20Is, she scored 1877 runs at a strike rate of 94.94 and scalped 65 wickets at an economy rate of 5.45 in 86 games.

The 29-year-old also played a Test match against India in Mysore in November 2014. Her final appearance was in an ODI versus West In?dies? on September 19, 2021.

Source: WomenCricket.com

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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the 18-member Proteas Women squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies, starting January 28.

All-rounder Sune Luus has been named to lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Dane Van Niekerk, who was ruled out from this series as well as the Women’s World Cup 2022 due to ankle injury. Chloe Tryon shall be Luus’ deputy in the series against Windies.

“Sune has really managed the captaincy quite well in the absence of our leaders, Dane and Chloe, and we are quite excited to be giving her the role again, and in our conversations with her, she really rolled out the pathway for us, getting through the West Indies tour and for the World Cup,” said Clinton du Preez, Convenor of Selectors as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“We are quite happy to have her back in that role, and I am sure the leadership and the senior players in the team will give her massive support. Chloe as the vice-captain is a great combination between the two individuals and personalities, and we think it will be a balanced approach for our successes,” du Preez added.

Off-spinner Raisibe Ntozakhe has made her comeback in the national squad. Notably, Ntozakhe hasn’t played for South Africa since 2018, when she was suspended from bowling in international games due to her then illegal action. Recently, she has been cleared to bowl.

“It’s greatly important for us to fill the vacancy of Dane van Niekerk, and therefore we looked at a few options. It is also quite exciting to have Raisibe Ntozakhe back in the squad, and for her to be playing international cricket again, it will be a great opportunity for her to revive her career,” du Preez added further.

The four-match ODI series will be entirely played in Johannesburg.?? The two sides have met in a five-match series in the Caribbean last August, where the visitors won by 4-1.

Here is the South Africa Women squad:

Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon (vc), Andrie Steyn, Anneke Bosch, Ayabonga Khaka, Lara Goodall , Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Mignon ??du Preez, Nadine?? de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Tumi Sekhukhune

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Ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, South Africa has suffered a major blow as Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk has been ruled out of the global showpiece e?vent after fracturing her ankle.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed the developments in a statement while announcing the 21-member squad for a training camp ahead of the ODI series against W?est Ind??ies at home in the lead up to the multi-team tournament in New Zealand.

Van Niekerk will also be unavailable for the home series against the Caribbeans. The all-rounder sustained a fracture to her left ankle after accidentally slipping on a wet surf??ace at home last week.

“As things stand, she doesn’t require surgery but will be monitored closely. It’s a stable fracture with minimal displacement, and her recovery timeline is no less than 12 weeks,” said team doctor Tshegofatso Gaetsewe in a statement.

“Losing Dane is massive for the team and the country, we will sorely miss her leadership and all-around cricket abilities. I would like to wish her all the best with her recovery and a smooth and seamless return to the national team,” said Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez.

The ODI leg against West Indies starts from January 28, while the Women’s World Cup shall begin from March 04. The Proteas will start their campaign in the global competition against Bangladesh on March 05.

Here is the Training squad of South Africa women:

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Trisha ??Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Nonkulu??leko Mlaba, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Delmari Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt

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?South African captain, Dane van Niekerk, somehow pulled herself together and her team, post-heart-wrenching defeat in the second semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and appeared in front of the media in the post-match conference, on Thursday.

There, she went on to state that the South African team would have preferred losing in the finals rather than ?getting a free pass to th?e finals.

Her comments sparked quite a flare within the Indian cricketing fraternity as India qualified for the finals, without ev??en a ball being bowled in the knockout fixture.

“I have to giv??e credit to the ground staff; they did absolutely everything to keep us in the park. And we are here to play cricket. I’d rather lo??se than get a free pass into the World Cup final,�Niekerk opined during the interaction.

England had to take the flight back to London as India held a superior position in the points table in the group stage.
Renowned commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle, in his r??ecent tweet, gave a befitting reply to the statements of the South African skipper.

“Except that it isn’t your choice whether to play or get a free pass! And it isn’t really a free pass but a qualification for playing well in the group stage,â€?Bhogle suggested.

Here’s the post:

Except that it isn't your choice whether to play or get a free pass! And it isn't really a free pass but a qualification for playing well in the group stage. //t.co/VSA9n61wJd

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 5, 2020

Another section of the cricketing fraternity condem?ned the Inte??rnational Cricket Council (ICC)’s policy of not allotting reserve days for knockout fixtures in marquee tournaments such as the Women’s T20 World Cup.

After an eventful Thursday, all eyes are now on Sunday, March 8, which wil??l see finalists India and Australia locking horns for the World T20 Title, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

India defeated Australia in the opening fixture of the tournament and ?also topped Grou?p A, after winning all their four matches at the group stage.

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