An untimely injury has robbed the South Africa captain a chance to feature at the forthcoming women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand. The national captain has been declared unavailable for the next three months after picking up an ankle injury at her residence in an unfortunate accident.
The injury to the ankle has been announced as a fracture after Dane van Niekerk slipped at a wet patch at her home in Gqberha. The 28-year-old will now miss the entire build-up to the World Cup starting March 4, including a scheduled training camp that the entire squad was due to take part in and the series against West Indies.
“The injury is a result of an accidental slip on a wet surface at home. 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,”
team doctor Tshegofatso Gaetsewe was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Niekerk is also ruled out of the Proteas home series against the West Indies, where they are due to play four ODIs. The first ODI will be held on January 28, followed by the second three days later before the final two games on February 3 and 6, respectively. All ODIs will be played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
So far, Cricket South Africa hasn’t named any replacement for the regular skipper who is sidelined from the game for the next three months. But Sune Luus, who has previously filled in for Niekerk, is expected to stand up to the task.
“Losing Dane is massive for the team and the country, we will sorely miss her leadership and all-round cricket abilities.
I would like to wish her all the best with her recovery and a smooth and seamless return to the national team. This brings about an opportunity for another player within the pipeline,”
said Clinton du Preez, the convenor of selectors.
