Proteas all-rounder hoping to follow in Kapp’s footsteps
Despite the loss against India in their tri-series opener in Sri Lanka, Annerie Dercksen believes South Africa put in a well-rounded display ahead of their contest against the hosts.
With veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp rested for the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka, Annerie Dercksen is soaking in the added responsibility for the Proteas.
Dercksen, who was named as the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2024, opened up on comparisons with Kapp.
“Yeah, I've been compared to Kappie a lot and I'm really not sure why. She's in a class of her own and someone I really look up to and I see it as a big honour,” Dercksen told reporters.
“I've got four ODI caps, so at the moment I'm looking to learn and experience as much as I possibly can, soaking in all the situations and knowledge from all the players around me.”
WATCH: Annerie Dercksen wins Emerging Women's Cricketer of the Year | ICC Awards 2024
Annerie Dercksen wins Emerging Women's Cricketer of the Year | ICC Awards 2024
South Africa were bested by India in their first fixture of the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka by 15 runs, and will face the hosts on Friday, May 2 in Colombo.
Dercksen noted that while the Proteas didn't come out on top against the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, there were plenty of positives to take from their performance.
“I felt like we were in control for the majority of that game and we probably lost in small little moments that swung the game away from us," she said.
“One of the only things you can always control is your attitude and your energy. Our fielding coach (Bongani Ndaba) summed it up pretty nicely; there's probably 320 balls bowled with all the wides and stuff in there.
“We probably made 10 mistakes and we'll be judged on those 10 rather than the 310 other stuff we did well.
“For us (the aim) will be to be 100 percent and strive to be better in even those 10 other little moments and then making sure that it's a bit more of a well-rounded performance with the bat, walking it through to the end and get the team over the line.”
Both South Africa and Sri Lanka will hope to open their account in the tri-series, with the hosts also arriving into the contest on the back of a loss against India in the opener.