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Proteas Women batter Lara Goodall has downplayed the pressure towards her, after receiving a late call-up to the team currently touring Sri Lanka.
Goodall was not in the original 15-player contingent to play the islanders and India in an ODI tri-series starting on the 29th of April, but was added to the list last week Thursday following an illness to Anneke Bosch.
Goodall recently missed out on a central contract from Cricket SA for 2025/26, and while that's a bitter pill to swallow, she says there's no need to feel under pressure on this tour.
"I wouldn't say it's an opportunity to prove myself. I think a lot of the coaches see the potential in me to be really good for South Africa in the ODI format.
"My main focus is just to do well for the country so that I can make the World Cup later this year. It's not about putting pressure on myself to prove a point, it's just about going out there and enjoying my cricket," said the Proteas Women batter.
The left-handed batter admitted to being pleasantly surprised to be called up by coach Mandla Mashimbyi, exactly a year since her last 50-over match against the same Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom.
She says she jumped at the opportunity to represent her country again.
"I was still asleep when I got the phone call to say that I was joining the team, but as soon as I heard coach say that I'm going to be on the plane to Sri Lanka, I immediately woke up and experienced all the emotions I get whenever I get the call to represent my country," said Goodall excitedly.
The Proteas Women have a chance to become the first South African team to win the senior ICC World Cup, when they head to India for the tournament in September and October.
The 28-year-old believes that they have what it takes to lift the trophy if they can be a bit more consistent in their game.
"Skill-wise, we're up there with the best in the world. Winning is a habit, so it's just about playing more games, winning more games, and winning tight games as well.
"The gap isn't that big, we just need to play the pressure moments really well, and I think that will put us in good stead for the World Cup later this year," explained Goodall.
The sub-continent conditions in Sri Lanka are expected to provide a litmus test of their ability to adjust to flatter and spin-friendly pitches that will play a role in India. Goodall says ticking that box will be important heading to the World Cup.
