Luus focused as Proteas Women eye England clash

SUNE Luus knows all about World Cup pressure, having been entrusted with the Proteas' captaincy on the eve of the last tournament after Dane van Niekerk suffered a freak accident.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

SUNE Luus

(AFP)

There was little time to dwell on the responsibility, and Luus simply had to lead a Proteas side packed with senior players such as Shabnim Ismail, Mari-zanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Trisha Chetty, Masabata Klaas and Lizelle Lee.

Having made her debut as a 16-year-old in 2012, Luus commanded the respect of her peers and guided the Proteas to consecutive semifinal appearances against England. The all-rounder developed into the role superbly, her measured leadership style complementing Van Niekerk's more combative approach.

Under Luus, the Proteas reached their first-ever T20 World Cup final the following year.