Tazmin Brits

Tazmin Brits has had a more interesting sports career than most. She was a javelin thrower, good enough to win the gold at the 2007 World Youth Championships in Athletics, and was in line to be selected for the 2012 Olympic Games. But a road accident left her hospitalised for two months and put her out of contention. That was the end of that career.

Comebacks, especially after a major injury, are tough. But for Brits, it opened another door. She made her South Africa debut as a cricketer in 2018, immediately making heads turn with her athleticism in the field. Consistency with the bat took more time to come - with Lizelle Lee and Wolvaardt the mainstays at the top of the order at the time, competition was stiff.

Despite consistent domestic performances, it took almost four more years for Brits to score her first ODI century, against Ireland, in 2022. She has been a regular in the line-up since, being a key part of the side that made the 2023 T20 World Cup final at home. She had a starring role in the semi-final against England, scoring 68 off 55 balls.

Brits has has slipped into a senior role since then, scoring crucial knocks for South Africa as they enter a new era of being serious challengers for a global title.