Trisha bounces back
EXPERIENCED cricketer Trisha Chetty is determined to don the wicketkeeper’s gloves again and claim back her opening batswoman position in the Proteas team.
She has just completed a fourmonth suspension from national duty. Chetty is hoping to make meaningful contributions during the important World Cup qualifying tournament, which begins in Sri Lanka on February 7.
The 10 teams involved in these qualifiers have been drawn into two groups, with the top two teams from each group qualifying automatically for the World Cup, which will be played in England and Wales in June and July.
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and South Africa are all in Group B, which is expected to be topped by the Proteas.
Chetty, a veteran with 80 oneday international (ODI) caps, was suspended with her Proteas teammate, Shabnim Ismail.
Both received the same punishment in September, after admitting to repeated “unbecoming or detrimental conduct” breaches, according to Cricket South Africa.
“Being suspended from the national team was a hard experience and emotionally draining.
“With the help of friends and family, I return stronger. I have learnt from my mistakes and accepted the punishment. Now, I want to go forward,” Chetty said.
She said she was relishing the possibility of playing for her country again, and wanted to play a meaningful role during the qualifiers and at the World Cup.
Chetty, 28, is no stranger to playing in sub-continental conditions and is expecting to use her favourite scoring shot, a flick over mid-wicket, with great effect.
The Proteas have been involved in friendly matches recently in preparation for the tournament and Chetty, with 13 ODI half centuries to her name, was in the mix.
“My confidence is up there, but playing at international level you have to lift your game.
“If given the chance to play, I want to help my team qualify for the World Cup. That is my immediate goal.”
With Chetty entering her 11th season of playing at the highest level, she said she had nevertheless lost none of her enthusiasm for the game.
“Playing for as long as I have does take its toll on you. But I continue to work on my fitness levels and skills all the time. I want to play for as long as I possibly can and hope to win the World Cup with the Proteas some day.
“I’m determined to leave a legacy on and off the field and be a role model to youngsters.”
Chetty started her career with the KZN provincial team and moved to Gauteng two seasons ago.
“I appreciate what KZN has done for me over the years, but I’m also enjoying my cricket in Johannesburg,” said Chetty, who was recently named Gauteng’s Player of the Season.