Southern stars respect Proteas

Southern Stars skipper Meg Lanning is wary of the visiting Proteas team despite their sixth position on the ICC International Women’s Championship table.
The captain was also eager to make the most of the time out in the middle as they build towards next year’s World Cup for which they have already qualified.
The Proteas can also seal qualification for the ICC showpiece next year but only if they beat their hosts 3-0, otherwise a qualifying tournament in Sri Lanka awaits.
Lanning told a press conference: “We’re very aware that we’re going to have to play some good cricket to beat them and we’re all really looking forward to the series.
“They know a little bit about us and we know a bit more about them. [Dane van Niekerk, Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp] did very well in the WBBL last year and are probably their leading players.
“We don’t have too many one-day games before the World Cup next year so we’ve got to make sure that we make the most of all the games that we get against really good opposition.”
Fast bowler Holly Ferling wants to see the Southern Stars keep their momentum going as they move towards the World Cup.
Ferling said: “Momentum is such a huge thing in our game.
“Every game is vital to our preparation and it’s something that we are really aware of and something that we’re going to make sure that we continue to do well with.”
The series gets underway in Canberra on Friday.