Proteas aim to lay down a marker in World Cup opener

South Africa and England both have points to prove at this year’s World Cup and the months of changes - in personnel and strategy - will be put to test when the teams meet at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

“Beating a team like (England) early really sets the tone for the tournament,” said Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt. Given South Africa’s schedule, winning on Friday could be quite important. “You don’t want there to be must-win games in the later stages (of the round-robin phase),” she added.

After England, South Africa face New Zealand on Monday and the host nation India next Thursday. Wolvaardt did caution about separating her team’s schedule into a difficult start, with an easier middle before a final round-robin match with Australia.

“There’s not really such a thing as bigger sides in a tournament like this. The conditions bring the sub-continent sides into contention. I don’t see any easy games.”

All the talk from the South African camp of employing a more attacking brand, with greater emphasis on being more aggressive in the middle period with bat and ball, needs to be put into action in the north eastern Indian city.

The Proteas have gradually improved their status at ICC events and are now viewed by rivals as serious contenders. They’ve reached the final of the last two T20 World Cups and the semifinals in the last two ODI World Cup events.

In searching for a solution to help them take the next step, the appointment of Mandla Mashimbyi last December was significant and he has overseen a period in which the players have pushed themselves to be more aggressive. Of the nine times South Africa have made totals of 300 or more, three have been this year, and getting comfortable with doing so is crucial to the psyche of the team.

It’s helped that they have one of the tournament’s most in form batters in their ranks. Tazmin Brits has scored three centuries in her last three ODI innings and five this year. “She’s batting with so much freedom at the moment and taking on the opposition. It’s been really great to see how aggressive she is in the power play, she’s found form at the right time,” said Wolvaardt.

With the ball South Africa are pursuing a more aggressive plan too, though it hasn’t been as successful as with the bat. South Africa have a solid spin line-up, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba, but need to match the wicket-taking ability they will encounter from England who have Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn at their disposal.

For England this tournament comes at a crucial point. Chastened by an early exit at last year’s T20 World Cup and embarrassed in the Women’s Ashes Down Under, players have faced accusations of arrogance and lacking in fitness.

Appointing Charlotte Edwards, one of England’s greatest players as head coach, was a big step towards refocusing the players. They’ve put in the hard yards at a training camp in Dubai, and like the South Africans will be desperate to show that the changes have borne fruit.

Both teams will be keeping a close eye on the weather with rain forecast for Friday afternoon. Tuesday’s opening match between Sri Lanka and India at the same venue was reduced to 47 overs a side. “We’ll have to be as adaptable as we can,” said Wolvaardt.

Friday’s match starts at 11.30am (SA time).