A CSA release said Wolvaardt’s position will be reviewed following the conclusion of the New Zealand tour.
South Africa’s next assignment is a white-ball tour of Pakistan starting September 1, for three T20Is and as many ODIs. South Africa will then host New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is.
“It’s a massive honour to be offered this position as captain for the next two tours,” Wolvaardt was quoted as saying in the release. “It’s something that I have always aspired to do, having played in this team for a couple of years. Having more of a leadership role is something I’ve wanted to take on. It’ll help me as a cricketer and learning to think as a captain on the field will hopefully help my batting as well.
“I’m very excited to be able to contribute in another way too, and not just in batting. It still feels surreal at the moment but it will all become more real when I meet up with the team in Pakistan.
“What I can bring to the role is the experience that I have in the side. I’ve been playing international cricket since I was 16 years old, I know quite a lot of players in the circuit and I’ve been playing in the leagues as well, so I’ve played a lot of cricket in recent years and hopefully, I’m able to use that experience and the knowledge to my advantage when I captain the team.
“I’d like to also think of myself as quite calm and level-headed and that’s probably more of the approach that I try to take on the field as a captain.
“It is very new to me but I am keen to learn and do everything that I can to do well in the position. I am lucky that I have a couple of senior players within the squad around me as well, who would be able to help me and guide me if I do need help along the way.”
CSA director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe said Wolvaardt was the “ideal candidate to lead the team.”
“Laura’s dedication, leadership acumen, and cricketing prowess have been evident throughout her career,” Nkwe said in the release. “Her ability to stay composed under pressure and her deep understanding of the game make her an ideal candidate to lead the team.
“Laura’s influence as captain will extend beyond her individual performances as she guides the team toward their goals.”
More to follow…