Proteas Women's captain Laura Wolvaardt ready to challenge for the 'Holy Grail' with new stars

JOHANNESBURG - It would have taken someone with strong convictions to have placed a bet against Laura Wolvaardt walking away empty-handed from the recent Cricket SA Awards.

The Proteas Women’s captain has been a perennial winner at the annual end of season ‘Oscars’ since her international debut whilst still a schoolgirl at Parklands College almost a decade ago now. 

Wolvaardt, along with star allrounder Marizanne Kapp, had to look on as a new brigade of Proteas such as Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed four prizes on the night including the coveted SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and Annerie Dercksen (ODI Player of the Year) stole the spotlight.

But instead of being disappointed about missing out on personnel accolades, Wolvaardt was excited by the youthful energy being infused into the Proteas Women’s team.

Equally, the development of players such as Mlaba and Dercksen shows that the side is no longer dependent on the individual performances of the veterans. 

“Yeah, it's so good for the team,” Wolvaardt exclusively told Independent Media.

“I think throughout the season you saw different people performing at different times. Nonkulelko was absolutely amazing throughout the whole season and was pivotal in that (T20) World Cup we had in the last year. 

“So, truly well-deserved and very happy for them.”

Wolvaardt was cautious though of making comparisons between Dercksen and Kapp though, as she feels the former’s strengths lie with the willow in hand. 

“I think they're a bit different. Kappi is obviously a world-class bowler but it's been amazing to see how far Annerie has come along with the bat in the last season.

“She got us out of some really tough positions there in Sri Lanka, scoring an 80-100 when we were like 80/5 or something earlier in the game.

“Her batting was absolutely phenomenal. It's been great to see her and to have that bowling option as well is really handy as a captain.”

The Proteas have become consistent challengers at major ICC Women’s tournaments after progressing to two consecutive T20 World Cup finals and 50-over World Cup semifinals.

They are, however, yet to cross the finish line which has only fuelled Wolvaadt’s desire to lead her team to immortality in the upcoming World Cup on the subcontinent. 

“For me it is (the Holy Grail),” she said. “It only comes around once every four years. 

“We don't play much Test cricket, so I think for us it's the biggest thing you can achieve in women's cricket. 

“We’ve had a couple of camps. Got bowling camp coming up now and then national camp.

“A couple of us are going to The Hundred and then straight to Pakistan and straight to the World Cup. Should be good and raring to go when we get there. I'm very excited.”