Leah Jones eager to make impact at international stage after ODI call-up

The 23-year-old has been one of the impressive players on the domestic front, and has been knocking on the national selectors’ door for a while. 

While Mashimbyi said Jones has shown maturity in her game recently, the player herself has told SABC Sport that she was a bit overwhelmed by the call-up.

"It's obviously really exciting, something I waited for, for a very long time. So, getting the call was obviously a bit overwhelming but I was really happy, still really happy and really excited to get going and can't wait to at least get going," Jones said.

She admitted to having had to bide her time before getting the call-up, but does not have any entitlement feelings towards it. 

She believes this came at exactly the time it was supposed to.

"I wouldn't say exactly it's about time but I've certainly been working hard for a very long time and I think timing is everything. So, it's just how it's meant to be and yeah, that's about it,” she added.

“I wouldn't say that it was about time but I've just been patient about it, so I'm really happy to have gotten a call up.”

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Jones could make her international debut alongside domestic teammates Faye Tunnicliffe and Lara Goodall, who have also been recalled to the team. 

She says she’ll look to those two for guidance whenever needed.

"I haven't really spoken to Faye and Lara about it, I think they are just really happy that I got it and I think they were just excited that I was there and just to be with them especially would be really cool. 

“To be on the field with them, especially international games, I obviously play domestic cricket with them and a lot of it but I think I would obviously have a few words with them when the time comes, how to handle a few things. I'm really glad, they're at least in my corner."