Cape Town – Andrie Steyn is looking forward to making her tournament debut at the Women’s Cricket World Cup which gets underway in England and Wales this month.
The 20-year-old opening batter announced her arrival on the international scene at the recently concluded Quadrangular Series which also involved Ireland, Zimbabwe and heavyweights India.
Steyn who worked extensively with Gary Kirsten Cricket’s Head Coach, Ryan Cook, before the series scored a mammoth 226 runs at an average of 45.2 over the five games in Potchefstroom.
It was a groundbreaking series for the Durban-born youngster who put together a sparkling 117 against Ireland for her maiden century.
In addition she also scored a brilliant 83 against a top Indian bowling attacking.
“The hundred was really special as it was my first. It was also a bit of a relief to finally get there,” Steyn said. “I did feel though that my 83 was just as important. It was a challenging knock and one that I am proud of."
Steyn said her work with Cook prior to the series was invaluable.
“Ryan helped with my batting skills and the mental side of the game. We worked on efficient training so your body reacts in the correct way,” Steyn said. “We also focused on batting for longer periods of time and that paid off.”
Cook who is currently working as a fielding coach for the SA A team ahead of their tour to England was full of praise for Steyn.
"Working with Andrie has been very rewarding. She is a willing learner and her humble nature has helped grow and improve her game," Cook said.
The runs came at the perfect time for Steyn who now shifts her focus to the World Cup.
“It is a dream come true for me,” she said. “I think we have a great bunch of players. We just have to keep believing. We must back ourselves, we know we have a good chance of winning it."