Teenager Fay Cowling replaces ill Marizanne Kapp in Proteas Women's ODI squad

Teenage fast bowler, Fay Cowling, has earned her maiden international call-up, as she has been included in the Proteas Women's squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International series against Pakistan Women.

Cowling replaces Proteas Women's all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship ODI series against Pakistan Women, scheduled from February 22 to March 01, due to illness.

Kapp experienced discomfort shortly after completing her spell during the first innings of the third T20 International in Benoni on Monday. Following further medical assessments, the Proteas Women's medical team has opted to rest her as a precaution.

Cowling, 18, currently applies her trade at the Johannesburg-based DP World Lions and is also a former South Africa Under-19 player. 

Her selection comes after she had impressed at last month’s national training camp in Tshwane. The teenager will have an opportunity to be in the Proteas Women's team environment and learn from the best cricketer in the world, an experience that will certainly do her the world of good. 

For the first time in the senior Women's team, Cowling will join her SA U-19 teammate, the talented wicket-keeper batter, Karabo Meso. 

Despite the ODI World Cup being four years from now, the series against Pakistan Women carries weight as the Proteas Women will look to secure a good position in the ICC Women's Championship to secure automatic qualification in the 2029 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. 

The Proteas Women will also play for a much bigger cause in the upcoming series, as they are set to don an all-black kit in the third and final ODI in Durban next week, to help raise awareness on Gender Based Violence.

Moreover, with the Proteas Women having failed to complete a T20I series sweep against Pakistan Women last week, they will want to redeem themselves in the ODI series and get the job done. 

With so much to play for, Cowling will earn a potentially career-changing selection. 

Proteas Women’s ODI Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Tazmin Brits, Fay Cowling, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon and Faye Tunnicliffe.

Fixtures - Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour against Pakistan

1. Sunday, 22 February at 10:00 am - 1st IWC ODI: South Africa vs Pakistan (Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein)
2. Wednesday, 25 February at 14:00 pm - 2nd IWC ODI: South Africa vs Pakistan (SuperSport Park, Centurion)
3. Sunday, 01 March at 10:00 am - 3rd IWC ODI: South Africa vs Pakistan (Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban)

Ongama Gcwabe is a prominent sports journalist. Writing for Independent Media as a senior contributor, he is recognised for his expertise in SA cricket.