South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp
Images by Michael Sheehan/Gallo
Proteas all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will sit out Thursday’s T20 Tri-Series final against India in east London after being given “compassionate leave”.
This comes a day after Kapp’s wife, Dane van Niekerk, was left out of Proteas’ 15-player squad for the T20 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
Van Niekerk was ruled out of the world showpiece after failing a fitness test, prompting a huge protest from South Africans including Dale Steyn and Kapp.
READ | ‘We did everything we could’: Unboxing SA star’s failed fitness test as World Cup dream shattered
The SA women will face India in the Tri-Series final at Buffalo Park on Wednesday, with coach Hilton Moreeng confirming they will be without Kapp’s experience.
Moreeng insists that Kapp is resting in the Tri-Series final despite Van Niekerk’s World Cup snub.
“She is part of the World Cup team and she is committed to us. I think we needed the break now and she was granted compassionate leave after the last game,” Moreeng told reporters on Wednesday.
“We are very happy with the shape she is in and what she brings. We gave her permission so she can come to the World Cup and be ready to play.”
Kapp has expressed his support for his wife on social media, stating that she was heartbroken and writing: “One of the best captains in world cricket. You will be missed. The Lord has big plans.“
Moreeng insisted that Van Niekerk still had a future with the Proteas.
“She is available for the national team, but she is not eligible for the World Cup. It is still part of the plans,” Moreeng said.
“For us, it’s making sure we finish the tri-series on a high and carry that form into the World Cup.”
READ ALSO | Dane van Niekerk’s shocking T20 World Cup omission explained: ‘We’re testing everyone fairly’
Kapp scored 52 against the West Indies last week and will miss out on Thursday’s tri-series final against India, but Moreeng says the Proteas will have to overcome Van Niekerk’s omission.
“The players are very professional, they know these things happen. It’s something you can’t control and we don’t wish it on any player,” Moreeng said.
“They know they need to go ahead tomorrow and make sure they can put the performances on the field. Overall the team understands what needs to happen and we have to move on.”
Thursday’s game starts at 3:00 p.m.
