Women’s World Cup 2022: South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk ruled out of tournament due to ankle fracture

Ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, South Africa has suffered a major blow as Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk has been ruled out of the global showpiece event after fracturing her ankle.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed the developments in a statement while announcing the 21-member squad for a training camp ahead of the ODI series against West Indies at home in the lead up to the multi-team tournament in New Zealand.

Van Niekerk will also be unavailable for the home series against the Caribbeans. The all-rounder sustained a fracture to her left ankle after accidentally slipping on a wet surface at home last week.

“As things stand, she doesn’t require surgery but will be monitored closely. It’s a stable fracture with minimal displacement, and her recovery timeline is no less than 12 weeks,” said team doctor Tshegofatso Gaetsewe in a statement.

“Losing Dane is massive for the team and the country, we will sorely miss her leadership and all-around cricket abilities. I would like to wish her all the best with her recovery and a smooth and seamless return to the national team,” said Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez.

The ODI leg against West Indies starts from January 28, while the Women’s World Cup shall begin from March 04. The Proteas will start their campaign in the global competition against Bangladesh on March 05.

Here is the Training squad of South Africa women:

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Delmari Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt