Dane van Niekerk ruled out of New Zealand Tour due to Injury
Johannesburg, March 17
South Africa Women's cricket team all-rounder Dane van Niekerk will miss the remainder of the tour to New Zealand due to a right calf injury, the Proteas Women announced on X.
According to the statement, Van Niekerk felt discomfort on the eve of the first T20 International (T20I), and a subsequent scan revealed the injury's extent, which will require rehabilitation.
Fidelity Titans' Anneke Bosch has been called up as Van Niekerk's replacement for the rest of the tour, the statement added. Her wife, and veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, is also not in the squad as she recovers from illness.
"Proteas Women all-rounder Dane van Niekerk will miss the remainder of the tour to New Zealand due to a right calf injury," the statement said.
"Van Niekerk experienced discomfort on the eve of the first T20 International (T20I) before a scan revealed the extent of the injury, which will require rehabilitation. Fidelity Titans' Anneke Bosch has been called up as her replacement," the statement concluded.
The series in New Zealand consists of five T20Is and three ODIs, which form part of the Women's Championship.
The T20Is are being played as double-headers with the men's matches, where South Africa has another injury concern. Batter Jordan Hermann is out with a hamstring injury, but no replacement has been named.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Injuries are part of the game, but it's tough when it happens just before a big tour. Hope Anneke Bosch grabs this opportunity. The women's game needs more depth in all teams.
First Kapp is out ill, now van Niekerk injured. That's their two most experienced all-rounders gone. Big blow for SA. New Zealand will be favourites now for sure.
Interesting to see the double-header format with the men's matches. Hopefully it brings more eyes to the women's game. The injury list for both squads is worrying though.
As an Indian cricket fan, I feel for them. We know how injuries to star players can derail a tour. Focus should be on proper rehab, not rushing back. Get well soon!
The schedule is too packed these days. Players are getting injured left and right. Cricket boards need to manage workload better, especially for all-format players.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.