Injury forces South Africa skipper Dane van Niekerk out of the Women’s Super League

Dane van Niekerk received a lot of acknowledgment for leading South Africa to the semi-finals of the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup in England. She was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker ending up with 15 scalps from six games. Despite her heroics with the ball, Niekerk’s side crashed out of the 8-team event when they succumbed to a narrow 2-wicket loss to eventual champions England.

Protea skipper has had a tough 3 months

Van Niekerk had a lot of injury concerns leading up to the tournament. She missed the quadrangular series at home in May owing to a foot injury. She was deemed fit just in time to lead the South African side in the World Cup. The 24-year old has been ruled out of the forthcoming Women’s Super League as she suffered a grade 2 myotendinous tear, Cricbuzz reports.

The leg-spinning all-rounder was set to turn out for the champions of the inaugural edition – South Vipers – this year after having represented the Loughborough Lighting last year. In last year’s competition, van Niekerk picked up 7 wickets in 6 games at an economy rate of 6 and was the second highest wicket take for her side. The skipper recently made a world record by picking four wickets without conceding a single run in 3.2 overs against the West Indies.

Australian Mooney ruled out of the event too

Australian opener Beth Mooney, who plays for Yorkshire Diamonds, was also ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. The opener recorded 232 runs at the World Cup at an average of 29 but failed to get going in the game against India at the semifinals. The replacement of both these ladies is yet to be named by the ECB.

The season is set to commence on August 10 and the finals will be played on September 1. Vipers will be led by Charlotte Edwards in their title defense.