CHENNAI: Ahead of the one-off Test against India, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said the team is going into the match with “no preparation”. The opening batter feels the lack of domestic red-ball cricket makes Test cricket even more challenging for them.
“We don’t play domestic cricket. Most of us don’t have any sort of preparation in the format. So, just coming straight into an international multi-day game is difficult. For example, balls that I've been cover-driving my whole life, I now need to leave, which is difficult for me because it just happens on instinct, and I have to fight the way that I've been batting for my entire career. So, I think we need to play a lot more Test cricket and incorporate it into our domestic practice and training. Or we must just leave it because playing one in three years is very hard to adapt to. But I'm on the side to have more of that,” said Wolvaardt.
Wolvaardt hopes that there are discussions within the Cricket South Africa board leading to more opportunities for women to play red-ball cricket.
“I think getting the opportunity to play more Test cricket is awesome. And something that a lot of our girls are really looking forward to. Having three Tests scheduled in a calendar year is pretty cool. And something that I’ve wanted to see for a long time. I’m hoping there are conversations about it higher up (the board),” said Laura.
The Proteas will be playing three Tests this year; they played a Test against Australia in February, after a gap of almost two years. And, now they will be playing the one Test against India before moving to the T20 format. Later, in December, they’ll be hosting England in the longer format.
Laura, who has led the South African side only twice in the Test so far, absolutely relishes playing the longer format. “I personally really enjoy this format and would love to see more of it. I think Test cricket is sort of the ultimate form of the game and I guess it reveals a lot about your character and how you can play under pressure. So, I'm looking forward to it.”
