“Everyone in the camp is very happy with the outcome,” said the South African women’s team’s head coach, Hilton Moreeng, after South Africa beat India comprehensively to win the series 4 -1. 

Referring to the tour as “one of the most difficult challenges,” Moreeng was pleased to see different members of the team take responsibility to give South Africa every chance of winning the series. 

Explaining how the Proteas developed their plans to counter the Indian spin threat, Moreeng said the team benefited from the insight offered by batting consultants.

“Each and every player had to learn how to get off strike.” The hard work put in by the team during lockdown reflected in the results against Pakistan at home and India away from home. “It was pleasing to see how the hard work was rewarded,” said Moreeng. 

Having been through the rigours of two bio-bubbles, Moreeng said most players preferred being by themselves on off days. The South African medical team was instrumental in ensuring that both bio-bubbles were manageable for players and support staff. The team management is striving to improve the bio-bubble experience with each tour. “We’re learning as we go,” remarked Moreeng. 

Hailed for persisting with Mignon du Preez and Lara Goodall during their rough patches, Moreeng explained both are quality cricketers who work incredibly hard on their games.

Given the talent both cricketers possess, he knew it was a matter of time before their hard work paid off. “She (du Preez) worked really hard. We knew it was going to come,” said Moreeng. With respect to Goodall, Moreeng said, “Lara is a talented cricketer. She is learning her way, finding her way as a cricketer.” 

Despite the clinical series win, Moreeng said the South Africans remain cognizant that the T20 series against India is “going to be very tough.” While the momentum is with the Proteas, Moreeng knows, “we’re playing a very good side.”