Proteas Women Carry a Piece of Home With Them During the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2024

JOHANNESBURG: As the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 kicks off in the United Arab Emirates, the Proteas Women are taking a heartfelt approach to stay connected with their fans with the message: “Always Rising – For Me, For Her, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas.”

The Proteas Women will not only showcase their incredible talent, but also honour the bonds that keep them grounded. This powerful message acknowledges and thanks their broader community, support structures, loved ones and the South African nation for their unwavering support.

The players will take the field in customised playing shirts with embroidered names of family members and close friends.

This initiative allows players to keep a tangible reminder of home close to their hearts, even in the intensity of competition.

The shirts bear names of 1 to 5 individuals who hold special significance in their lives. These names are on the inside of their shirt collars and bottom hems, ensuring that no matter the challenge on the field, their support system is always within reach.

“It’s such a special touch," said Sinalo Jafta who paid tribute to her mom and Counsellor. “When I look down and see the names of those most important to me, it reminds me to always give my best and remember those who have been there for me from day one.”

Fellow teammate and Proteas Women Captain, Laura Wolvaardt echoed these sentiments, stating, “Carrying a piece of home with me during the tournament gives me strength. I know I’m not alone out there; my loved ones are with me in spirit.”

“It is so special to be able to honour those who have been with us on our playing journey. We also play for them,” said Nonkululeko Mlaba.

These reminders are more than just names. They symbolise the unwavering love and support that fuel these athletes’ journeys.

Source: cricket.co.za

David Guy Bedingham: BORN – April 22, 1994, George. BATTING STYLE – Right hand Bat. FIELDING POSITION – Occasional Wicketkeeper. PLAYING ROLE – Middle order Batter. TEAMS – South Africa, Birmingham Phoenix (Men), Durham, South Africa Colts XI, South Africa Under-19s, Western Province, Western Province Under-19s, Wynberg Boys’ High School.

When David Bedingham was unveiled as a Durham batsman before the start of 2020, he abandoned hopes of an international future with South Africa with the conviction that he was about to make his life in England. It left his coach at Cape Cobras, Ashwell Price, to complain: “We can’t keep pretending there is nothing wrong.” There was no doubt that Cricket South Africa was the target of his ire.

Bedingham, at 25, was about to enter his prime and was in his second season as a contracted Cobras player. He played in the Western Cape throughout his career and represented the South African Under-19 side in 2013.

Prince said: “It’s high time that CSA sits down and look at things a little bit closer and don’t beat around the bush of why people are leaving. Get to the crux of why people are leaving. Face it, confront the brutal facts.”

Bedingham, though, in common with several South African players of this era, played only one season of county cricket before the UK’s departure from the European Union meant that the Kolpak qualification to be registered in county cricket no longer applied and nor did the ancestral visa which Bedingham had hoped to utilize.

He had made a solid contribution in that first season in 2020, one that was truncated because of the Covid-19 global pandemic. The following year, Durham gambled upon naming him as one of their two overseas players. His response was emphatic as he struck a career-best 180 not out against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in the opening match of the season and, two games later, registered Durham’s second highest Championship score of their history with 257 against Derbyshire on a relaid Riverside square.