Dane van Niekerk has reversed her decision to step away from international cricket, confirming that she is once again available for South Africa selection.
Dane van Niekerk: I have missed representing my country
The former captain, who had announced her retirement in March 2023 amid uncertainty over her national contract, released a statement on Monday expressing her desire to return. “I’m thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket,” van Niekerk said. “The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country, and I am fully committed to giving everything to once again have that opportunity.”
Van Niekerk, who made her debut in 2009, last represented South Africa in September 2021, with a series of injuries and fitness challenges sidelining her from international duty. A lower back injury kept her out for much of 2020, followed by a broken ankle ahead of the 2022 Women’s World Cup. Her comeback attempt was further hampered when she missed out on selection for the 2023 T20 World Cup after failing to meet Cricket South Africa’s revised two-kilometre fitness benchmark.
Read: 'We're not in the Olympics' - Dane van Niekerk opens up on fitness, health and CSA struggles
At the time, she described her omission as leaving her “absolutely broken” and subsequently announced her retirement, joining Lizelle Lee as the second high-profile player to step away following CSA’s introduction of stricter fitness criteria. However, in her new statement, van Niekerk apologised to the board and fans for how she handled her earlier exit and expressed her gratitude for another chance. “I know the standards of the team and the women’s game continue to rise, and I am ready to work hard to meet them,” she said.
Returning with what she described as “renewed energy, focus, and a deep sense of gratitude,” van Niekerk said she is determined to contribute again at the highest level. “Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey,” she added.
Van Niekerk played her only Test in 2014, but had a longer white-ball career. She played 107 ODIs, making 2,175 runs and notched up 1,877 runs in 86 T20Is. She also picked up a total of 204 wickets for South Africa, including 138 in ODIs. She led South Africa in 30 T20Is and 50 ODIs, with the team winning 15 and 29 games under her, respectively.
South Africa has yet to announce their squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled for next month. She has been named in the team's 20-member training camp, beginning on August 25.
South Africa squad for training camp: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk
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