England win the toss and send Bosch-ed up Proteas Women into bat in World Cup semi-final

The Proteas Women have lost the toss and have been asked to bat first in the ICC Women's World Cup semi-final encounter against England Women at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. 

England women have stuck to what worked for them in the group stages, backing themselves to be able to restrict the Proteas to a total they can chase, particularly after their dominant 10-wicket victory over the same opposition during the group stages.

Laura Wolvaardt admitted that the South African camp would have also opted to bowl first, a plan that would have stemmed from their success chasing down totals in the showpiece event.   

"We like to bat first. I think it puts pressure on them, especially with the bat, and hopefully, for the spinners, it’ll be easier to play later on. It’s very different from the wickets (talking about the surface) we’ve played on before," said England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

"The Mumbai wicket is quite unique. It’s been interesting throughout the tournament, but I think the surface is really good for the final. We’ve got the same team. I don’t think there’s a niggle. She’ll (Ecclestone) play through anything. She’s one of those players who doesn’t like being on the sidelines - she’ll be raring to go out there to play. I think it’s about trusting the process and everything we’ve done to get here. We know what we’re capable of."

The Proteas have made one change in the line-up for the semi-final, as they decided to lengthen the batting unit.

The experienced Proteas seamer Masabata Klaas missed out, and top-order batter Anneke Bosch has another opportunity to showcase her skills in the tournament. 

"Probably would have looked to have a bowl as well. But then again, runs on the board in a semi-final can be pretty good too, so not too unhappy about it. We’ve got one change - Anneke Bosch comes in for Masabata Klaas. So, playing the extra batter today," said Wolvaardt.

"Just felt like it’s something we’ve needed in the last couple of games. Would have been nice to have someone there at the end to bat with for a bit longer. Anneke’s been amazing for us, and we still have plenty of bowling options with Sune and Dercksen able to bowl as well. Hopefully, more runs in it today, but at the end of the day, it’s all about winning. That’ll be the main goal."

With England women's spinners Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone in fine form, the decision to play an extra batter is founded as the pair got the better of the Proteas batting unit in the group stages. 

All eyes will be on the batting group to put up a competitive total, starting with the opening pair of Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, through to the lower-order that is made up by the in-form Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon. 

TEAMS FOR GUWAHATI

PROTEAS: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen,  Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.