Proteas Women aim to adapt better to heat for India clash in Colombo

The scorching heat in Colombo has tested the Proteas Women’s team at length, and there have been a few players who have found themselves ill as a result.

The 17-year-old wicket-keeper batter Karabo Meso could not keep on Friday during the third match of the ongoing Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka.

Proteas all-rounder Nadine de Klerk believes that the heat has played a factor in their two consecutive losses in the series.

“It’s extremely hot. I think also batting first and then having to come out and field after lunch is never easy, especially in these conditions,” said De Klerk.

“We didn’t have a lot of runs on the board, so we had to put in a really big shift, and unfortunately, we couldn’t get over the line.

“We know it’s going to be hot, it’s not going to change, so I guess it’s just about taking the learning from these last two games, and see how we can get better and try to adapt to the heat, because it’s not going anywhere.”

Apart from the two losses, there have been a number of milestones on tour, including De Klerk becoming only the ninth Proteas Women player to reach the 50-wicket mark in One-Day internationals.

De Klerk claimed her 50th ODI career wicket against India Women during the second ODI of the series in tough conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

“You always want to contribute to the side, and as a bowler, you love taking wickets, especially if it’s not coming easily,” said De Klerk.

“I think in these conditions, wickets are really hard to come by. It’s been a great journey so far, and hopefully it just keeps getting better from here on.

“I keep it really simple. I think these conditions suit me quite well.

“I am the slowest of the bomb squad, so I try and keep it easy, keep it nice and tidy, and try to bowl to my field.

“Sometimes you get lucky, you pick up a few wickets and other times you have to craft really hard, which is has been the norm for us in the last couple of games.”

The South Africans will be back in action on Wednesday, May 7 against India in Colombo (6.30am SA time start).