I am a real sucker for Fairy Tales with a happy ending. There’s just something about the way that everything turns out OK and everyone lives happily ever after. It’s just that Life and Cricket don’t seem to work that way, or do they?
We hear about “Cinderella” stories in sport, tales of rags-to-riches, or even cathartic changes of heart and mind that ultimately lead to happiness and fulfilment. Maybe all or some of these are evident in the tales that are about to be told. So, make yourself comfortable and let your mind drift into the world of Proteas women’s cricket, version Ireland Inbound Tour.
There are 4 leading ladies in this fairy tale. They all have stories to tell, and legends of their own to create.
Long, long ago in a land far, far away (actually pretty recently at Newlands…), I had the privilege of commentating on many domestic games played by Proteas returnees Dané van Niekerk, Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe, together with new cap Leah Jones. For me, they define what excellence looks like in South African women’s domestic cricket.
It requires something special, though, to be a Protea.
Dané at the crease is a pleasure to behold. Her clarity of mind and expert reading of the game, together with the fact that she seems to have so much time to play her shots, truly makes her a cut above (no shot pun intended). Add to that her safe pair of hands and her wise counsel, it makes sense that anyone would be bowled over to have Dané in their cricketing fairy tale. A story where there is a triumph of spirit, overcoming adversity to once again represent her nation on the greatest stage.
Last and this season’s (to date) leading Hollywoodbets Pro20 run-scorer, Faye’s approach is nothing short of brilliant. Her run-making and striking power have helped WP rewrite the record books at Newlands this year in women’s T20 cricket. It has been raining fours and sixes. Average scores have gone out of the window. Quick across the ground, turning ones into twos and doing the opposite in the field, Faye is one of the hardest-working cricketers you will find. A more deserved call-up for the 26-year-old cannot be found, and the selection fairy godmothers (godfathers?) obliged.
Lara’s first-ever List A hundred this year was as much about determination as it was about finding that freedom in her game to achieve the milestone. As the innings progressed, one sensed the shackles release, and the enjoyment was there for all to see. Go and shout it from the (Table?) mountaintop, one of our finest princesses has awoken from her slumber. She will stand again with her fellow cricketing royalty on South Africa’s hallowed fields.
All these achievements have been under the watchful and learning eye of the provincial captain, the effervescent Leah. Top wicket taker in the Pro20 last season, and SACA’s player of the 2024/25 season, Leah’s selection is a testament to her leadership, focus, hard work, dedication and all-round game. There are few better fielders on the domestic circuit. Having played for and captained SA Emerging, the bridesmaid is now the bride. Many will be wishing her a happy and long union with the Proteas badge.
Perhaps it is fitting for our “fab four” that they are playing the Irish. Whilst luck may have little to do with their selection, a four-leafed clover-protea (if such a thing might exist in a fairy tale world) may well be an apt badge of honour. A badge that says “I belong”. Both Dané and Faye will represent the Proteas Women in the T20 and ODI formats, while Lara and Leah will make their appearances in the ODIs.
What I do know is that donning the green and gold will be akin to the perfect fit of a golden slipper.
This The End
Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
