Sune Luus looking forward to leadership lessons from Mithali Raj

maiden appearance in the Women’s T20 Challenge that’s scheduled to be played from November 4 to November 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

24-year-old Luus is one of the 12 overseas players selected for the tournament and will represent Mithali Raj-led Velocity in the three-team competition. Luus, vice-captain of the South Africa side, said she is looking forward to learning about leadership from the Indian ODI captain Raj.

“I will absorb as much I can from Mithali's leadership skills. She has been in the game for so long and has been in various situations as a leader, so I will be looking to learn as much as I can from her,” Luus was quoted as saying to ANI. “India has a lot of cricket fans, so if there is any country that can take the women's game forward in terms of audience, it's India.”

Luss has represented South Africa in 153 matches across formats scoring 1884 runs and has taken 144 wickets with the ball. She along with her teammate Ayabonga Khaka are the two South Africa players taking part in the event.

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South Africa last played a competitive match during the T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia in March where they made it to the semi-final of the tournament. Their subsequent home series against Australia, tour to West Indies and a proposed tri-series were cancelled due to the travel restrictions that are in place in the country owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players are allowed to travel as individuals to play in the domestic franchise competitions across the world. Apart from Luus and Khaka in the Women’s T20 Challenge, eight South Africa players are taking part in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) scheduled to be played in Sydney from October 25.

"I couldn't be more excited! Following a long period away from the game due to COVID-19 and a national lockdown, it is going to be so good to get back out in the middle again and play competitive cricket," Luus added.

"I think most of the players have had enough time to prepare for the tournament. We also have a couple of training days after our isolation period, so when the first game comes around, I am sure everyone will be ready to go. After being away from the game for so long it will be great to just play again. I am excited to meet my new teammates and just have the most amazing experience.”

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The leg-spinning allrounder believes the Women’s T20 Challenge will be an important competition for the development of women’s cricket and is hopeful that more international cricketers could be involved in South Africa’s domestic league.

“The Women's T20 Challenge is a major boost for women's cricket as it showcases international talent. Cricket South Africa launched the Women's T20 Super League last year, and if we could get international players involved that would be great for women's cricket in South Africa," she said.

“For any player performance is key. Whenever you get the chance you have to use it and contribute as much as you can in every aspect of the game.”

Luus will be seen in action when Velocity take on Supernovas in the opening match of the tournament on November 4.