Cri-zelda Brits returns for South Africa

Cri-zelda Brits, the former South Africa women's captain, will return to the international stage for the tour to West Indies later this month which is part of the team's preparation for the Women's World Cup in India.

Brits, 29, took an indefinite break from international cricket last year to focus on her off-field profession after she was promoted to a manager with her company. Now, with the World Cup around the corner, Brits is excited about her return.

"I'm really happy to be back," he said. "This is a very exciting time for me and I'm really looking forward to representing my country again. This break served to show me how much I love the game and how much I've missed playing international cricket. I can't wait to get into get on the field in St Kitts and do what I was born to do."

Brits made her debut against India in 2002 and initially played for more than a decade during which time she gained 57 ODI caps. She has also played four Tests and 17 Twenty20s.

Hilton Moreeng, the coach, said: "It's a pleasure to see the return of an experienced player like Cri-zelda, I'm certain she'll have a positive influence on the side. I'm confident about the team we've chosen, it's a really good mixture of youth and experience and I'm happy with the depth in the side.

"We're excited about going to the West Indies and to face some tough competition. This is the best preparation for the World Cup that we could ask for and we look forward to our arrival and getting our campaign started."

The squad includes two debutants, Savanna Cordes and Elrisa Theunissen, after they impressed in CSA Women's Provincial League.

South Africa leave for St Kitts on December 28 for their series which will take place from January 7-15. They will finish off with a two-match T20 series before departing for the World Cup in India.

Squad Mignon du Preez, Susan Benade, Cri-zelda Brits, Trisha Chetty, Savanna Cordes, Dinesha Devnarain, Shandré Fritz, Marizanne Kapp, Dané van Niekerk, Marcia Letsoalo, Sunette Loubser, Yolandi Potgieter, Chloe Tryon, Elrisa Theunissen