Thomson to make ODI debut

Kirstie Thomson, an opening batsman, will make her international debut for South Africa women tomorrow when they take on West Indies women in the first ODI. Thomson will open the batting with wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty as a part of a new opening combination for her team.

"We have an extremely strong squad on hand and we have selected this team according to combinations," South Africa coach Noor Rhode said on the eve of the fixture in Paarl. "We have played the West Indies on a number of occasions and have selected the team that will be able to capitalise on the opponents' weaknesses."

Thomson was recalled into the squad after a successful recovery from a lower back stress fracture, which kept her out of the squad that went to the Women's World Cup in Australia in March. She also opens the batting for Gauteng, where impressive performances have contributed to her selection.

"Kirstie is experienced upfront and was initially selected as an opener before she got injured," Rhode said. "Her and Trisha (Chetty) will provide a stable partnership at the top for us."

South Africa will be keen to make amends for their defeats to West Indies in the Women's World Cup and the World Twenty20 three months later.

South Africa women: Sunette Loubser (Capt), Alicia Smith, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shandre Fritz, Mignon du Preez, Cri-Zelda Brits, Kirstie Thomson, Shabnim Ismail, Ashlyn Kilowan, Charlize van der Westhuizen, Dané van Niekerk, Angelique Taai (12th Woman).