We are ready and happy as a team: Ayabonga Khaka

Ayabonga Khaka who recently broke into the top 10 of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Player Rankings, jumping to the eighth position following magical performances in the one-day international series against the Tigers will spearhead the Proteas bowling attack.

In an exclusive interview with Women’s CricZone, Khaka said "It was a great series for us as we stuck to the basics, that assisted us a lot to be a winning team. My bowling went well against Bangladesh, I worked very hard before the tour and I guess that paid off. Preparations are always important and beneficial to anyone. Bangladesh is actually very competitive.’’

The Proteas will be counting on the experience of Khaka and hope that she replicates the same performance which saw her register her career-best bowling figures in the third match, returning figures of 3/13.

The speedster said that they did well against the Tigers but they still need to work more on their fielding and improve death bowling and batting if they are to beat the World Champions in their own backyard.

"We are ready and happy as a team and are looking forward to the next tour against England. We know how good they are as the team and we too have a balanced team. Discipline is going to be the key. We have a great squad that can play any brand of cricket or style. England conditions are similar to ours and as bowlers we had a great time there last year", Khaka concluded.

The tour will feature a three-match ODI series as part of the ICC International Women’s Championship and a T20 triangular that will also feature New Zealand.

The Proteas leave for England on June 3 and will play their first of three ODIs against England on June 9 with the experienced wicketkeeper batswoman Trisha Chetty being the surprise omission from the touring Proteas squad.