Proteas lose three key players for Commonwealth Games
Listen to the 100% Cricket Podcast on:
The Proteas were already dealing with the unexpected absence of star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp due to family reasons, but two more players have joined her in being ruled out of the upcoming tournament.
Experienced wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty (back) and right-arm seamer Tumi Sekhukhune (groin) will miss the Birmingham Games due to injury, leaving the Proteas short-handed in their quest to pick up a medal.
Their male compatriots claimed gold the last time cricket appeared at the Commonwealth Games some 24 years ago in Kuala Lumpur and South Africa are considered one of the favourites to win the eight-team event in Birmingham despite the absence of some key players.
All-rounder Delmi Tucker and top-order batter Tazmin Brits have won a late reprieve and have joined up with the Proteas' squad and the duo will be in contention for South Africa's opening game of the tournament against New Zealand on Saturday.
The Proteas are in Group B for the Commonwealth Games, with matches against hosts England and Sri Lanka to follow their tricky match against New Zealand.
South Africa squad: Suné Luus (c), Chloé Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt
