Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Following their first Test outing since 2007, Proteas Women's captain Mignon du Preez hopes South Africa can play the longest format of the game more regularly.
"Women's cricket and Test cricket is something we'd like to do more often, hopefully one or twice a year," said Du Preez after her side fell to an innings and 34 run defeat to hosts India in a one-off Test in Mysore, India, on Wednesday.
"I don't think our bodies are ready like the men to play two or three in a row yet, but it would be nice."
It was the first Test match for Du Preez and seven of her teammates, and the Proteas' captain notched up her maiden century in the format in South Africa's first innings.
India posted 400 for six declared, batting first. Even with Du Preez's score of 102 the Proteas could only manage 234 in their first innings.
Forced to follow-on, the Proteas were 132 all out to hand India the victory.
Proteas coach Hilton Moreeng said he was pleased with the efforts of his troops despite the result.
"Overall for us, playing in our first Test match since 2007 it was pleasing to see how the players progressed and how everyone went under these difficult conditions," said Moreeng.
He said he had been impressed by Du Preez in particular.
"The way we adapted as the Test match wore on, especially from our captain, was good to see with her maiden Test century.
"It was a good lesson for us over the four days."
There would be room for growth in the format for the women's side, according to Moreeng.
"With the eight debutants it was good to see how the team is growing in this kind of format."
