Proteas Women excited to be main event after World Cup final run

Proteas Women's star Tazmin Brits has revealed the squad is buzzing to be the main attraction of the international summer, following a few weeks off after their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final appearance in Navi Mumbai earlier this month.

Brits, along with most of her teammates, has enjoyed some downtime after a hectic year for the side. The top-order batter told Independent Media that she spent her break catching up with family and friends, having a braai, and following the Springboks’ European tour.

“Any World Cup year is pretty busy. It’s mentally and physically very taxing on a person. So, when I got back, I just visited some friends and family and went down to Cape Town,” Brits said. “My brother also stays there.

"And I just had a few braais — I think we missed it as South Africans. I also watched a bit of the rugby and started preparing for my return to play with my shoulder ahead of the island series.”

Having made history in India by reaching South Africa’s first ICC Women’s World Cup final, the Proteas Women are set to host Ireland for a ODI and T20 series at home.

With the men’s team currently touring India, the women will headline the international summer, playing at major venues including Newlands Stadium in Cape Town and the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Brits said the squad is looking forward to playing in front of family and friends, adding that being the summer’s main event is a boost for women’s cricket.

“I think any series at home is great, having your own supporters and family in the stands,” Brits said. “Just to have them there, and playing in big venues like Cape Town, a lot of people are excited for that.

"Hopefully, we can fill the stands. Being school holidays and the festive season is also good for women’s cricket because people can actually come and watch. I’m really excited to play in front of my family.”

On the field, the Proteas are focused on winning both series. With coach Mandla Mashimbyi introducing new faces, the matches will also serve to build squad depth.

“As a team, we want to win the series, both the T20s and ODIs,” Brits said. “I also think they are trying a few youngsters and less experienced players.

"There are a lot of new faces coming in. So, Mandla is also just trying to see what he has before the T20 World Cup. Personally, I know I had a good World Cup, but maybe not as great as I wanted. I just want to try and make a few more runs, and of course, contribute towards the team.”

The squad will assemble on Saturday ahead of the first T20I at Newlands in Cape Town on December 5.