Conditions in Sri Lanka forcing Proteas Women to adapt

Centurion Tazmin Brits limped off with cramp in their opening match against India last week, while wicket-keeper Karabo Meso also had to leave the field early against the hosts with a heat-related illness last week Friday. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Hoffman Kellerman says this is to be expected in the conditions. 

“Cramping and heat-associated illness in cricket is not something new. Think of the 2023 World Cup in India, with [Shubman] Gill, [Glenn] Maxwell, and even [Heinrich] Klassen struggling due to dehydration and the heat. 

As preparation for this, we have implemented certain training day, pre-match day, and match day protocols that prepare the ladies as best possible from a hydration, electrolyte nutrition, and even a sleep perspective”, said the physio. 

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She also confirmed that Brits’ cramping was due to the heat, as temperatures often go as high as 39 degrees Celsius with humidity levels rising to 80 percent. 

“Tazmin came off during the match against India for off-field management of heat-related cramping and illness. When she was medically deemed to safely return and continue to bat, she returned to complete the innings.”

South Africa has had to wait longer to get back on the field between their second and third matches, and Hoffman Kellerman says this has both its pros and cons. 

“Long gaps are a bit of a double-edged sword. While on the one side it will allow for adequate recovery, on the other side, keeping the players match fit can be challenging, especially with restricted training schedules. 

Ensuring that there is a good balance between the volume and the intensity for key on-field physical performance metrics during preparation, for example, bowling loads are important,” she concluded.

The Proteas Women will play their third match of the tri-series against India on Wednesday, and Meso has also been medically cleared for selection.