I'm surprised not to see Chloe Tryon here: Dane van Niekerk

After Surrey’s opening match of the Kia Super League, against the Southern Vipers, Dane van Niekerk spoke to Women's CricZone. Here is what she had to say:



You and Nat Sciver were playing against each other just a month ago in the England versus South Africa series. How does the transition work from the opponent to the teammate?



I think it’s quite easy, you know. We know each other quite well, I mean we’re not best friends but, we know each other really well. We speak and its quite easy, I’m not gonna lie. And it’s nice because you learn from them as well, like the shots they play, you get to learn and feed off them.



Bowlers are getting hit for a lot of runs. Do you think with more competitive cricket being played, it affects the bowlers' strategies and their effectiveness in the game?



Yes, they do. It’s hard, you have to defend your own side of the wicket and the way they strike the ball, it’s a lot better than how it was in the past and it keeps you on your feet. You have to think about plans and sometimes your plan A is not working so, you have to go to plan B. Plan C, D, (all through the alphabet maybe) not a lot we can do to stop the runs flowing.



Your advice to young girls looking to pursue a career in cricket.



That you’re working hard from the onset. But, the most important thing is to enjoy. You know, we go around the world and play the game we love, we’re very fortunate and you work hard enough to get to where you can tour the world, it’s an amazing feeling.



Is there any player you’re surprised to not see in the KSL?



Actually, yes. I spoke about it to my vice-captain Chloe Tryon. I’m very gutted she’s not here. She’s very explosive and can hit the ball very far (uh, YES!) I’m very surprised she’s not here, but hopefully in the future.



Batting or bowling?



I love my bowling, I’m not gonna lie. But, at the moment, in cricket, I think it’s a batter’s game so I have to say batting *dramatic pause* for now.



Being a captain, or just one of the players?



It’s actually nice to have a bit of freedom about what, when and how. You know, I enjoy just forgetting about thinking and worrying about the players and just concentrate on my game. Just one thing at a time; batting and bowling and fielding.