Proteas women need to adapt quicker if they want to level series against West Indies

The Proteas Women will have to learn how to adapt quicker to the conditions if they want to level the series against West Indies in Barbados, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp said. 

The 35-year-old, one of the team's most decorated players, joined the Proteas squad after missing the Tri-Series tournament in Sri Lanka last month. 

During the series last month, the Proteas women kicked off the tour in a similar fashion, losing the first game. Only this time, they do not have multiple opportunities at redemption. 

If the Proteas lose the next ODI on Saturday, they lose the series 2-0. All three ODI’s will be played at the 3w’s Oval in Barbados. 

Kapp said they were surprised at how good the batting conditions were and may have made it seem a little “worse than it was” with their innings. Adapting to new and dynamic conditions, however, is a skill the team will have to pick up quickly if they want to seize the series in their favour. 

The Proteas got off to a good start in the first powerplay, but once the first wicket fell, it was downhill from there. A few scattered performances, highlighted by Tazmin Brits half century, helped them inch past 200 to set a target for the West Indians. 

A dejected Brits also said after the loss, that they cannot keep “losing the frisky ODI”. 

Now heading into their second game of the 3-match ODI series, Kapp is confident in a turn-around. 

“Our prep has been good. The girls got here more than a week ago so the preparation has been good. I think it’s more about adapting to conditions.

"Not knowing what the wicket was going to do…I think when the West Indies came out to bat we actually saw how good the wicket was. So with the bat, we probably made the wicket look a little worse than it actually was.

“It’s about adapting a lot quicker to what we have in front of us and ultimately just backing your preparation and skill…

“Yes conditions might differ but if we do the basics correctly, you will perform on any surface. We have been here early enough to prepare and I’m sure the same thing will happen at the world cup if we get there early enough. 

“We also toured India a few times and kind of have an idea of what to expect. Things are never going to be perfect, you just have to adapt,” Kapp said.