Cricket wins out over medicine

TIMING: AT JUST 25, PROTEAS SKIPPER HOPES TO BRING HOME THE TEAM'S FIRST TROPHY

- Wesley Botton

At the age of 25, Laura Wolvaardt is not only one of the country's most successful athletes, but she also possesses all the attributes required of a national ambassador. Though Wolvaardt's rapid rise in the world of cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal, she is so much more than just a player. Consistent, committed, talented and smart, she is one of the most well-rounded individuals in South African sport.

As the captain of the SA women's cricket team, Wolvaardt is hoping to carry the Proteas to their first major title at the T20 Women's World Cup in the UAE next week.

Looking back, it all started with a bit of garden cricket in her youth, followed by a later decision to put her lofty off-field ambitions aside.

Born in Milnerton in the Western Cape, Wolvaardt first picked up a bat at the age of five. The initial victims of her supreme ability were her father and any other kids in the area who pitched a delivery in her direction.