'All the girls are in a good space,' says Sune Luus ahead of World Cup

Over the past few years, the Proteas women heave toured India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The team has been able to secure good results in the often slow and spin-friendly conditions in those tours, with the likes of Sune Luus bringing up their maiden ODI tons in those conditions.

With the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set to be staged in India and Sri Lanka, the side heads into conditions that they are very much familiar with, especially given that the likes of Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt also play in the India-based Women’s Premier League.

The familiarity with conditions has allowed the players to prepare accordingly all year long.

“It's been a very good year. I think it (the preparations) started with provincial cricket in the beginning of February, trying to nail your game plans and your training to be World Cup specific,” Luus told the media.

“Then we headed to Sri Lanka and the West Indies for the two series, which was very good for us as well to find our roles and game plans and stuff like that.

“So, it's been a very good year of lead-up and build-up. I think all the girls are in a good space with cricket and a good mental space as well.

“I think just the way we're chatting at the moment is also very special to see. Everyone is just enjoying cricket, which I think is very important. So, hopefully, it's a very good World Cup for us.”

Luus heads into her third World Cup having had a run during the 2016 and 2022 editions. The 29-year-old has never reached a final in the ODI format, having exited in the semi-finals a number of times in the past.

However, having reached back-to-back T20 World Cup finals, including one as captain, the all-rounder is keen to reach the final in India this year.

“We’ve only made the semis, so our first goal is to reach that final. We've never done that and (we would like to) make history in that regard,” said Luus.

“I think you never want to look too far ahead. The goal is to always bring the trophy home, but there are a lot of steps and processes that happen to get to that. So, I think we're just going to take every game as it comes.

“I think every game is a must-win and such an important game. So, we're not going to get too far ahead of ourselves, but it's always (going to be) special to be a part of a World Cup.”

Despite having been to multiple World Cup events, Luus is beaming with excitement about the upcoming showpiece event. The 29-year-old emphasised that as the team, they are excited to play in front of the big crowds in India.

“Very excited. I think just playing the World Cup in India, the crowds are very exciting, just the way they love cricket, I think that makes it even more exciting and special,” said Luus.

“I want to say (India is) the home of cricket, but we know that's England, but it's kind of India as well. So, just very excited for the trip and the journey. I think the team is in a very good space, and we have a very good team this year.”