Exclusive: Proteas Selector Explains Why Lara Goodall Missed Out on World Cup Squad

Proteas Women’s Convenor of Selectors, Clinton Du Preez, told SportsBoom.co.za that Lara Goodall missed out on the World Cup squad due to the lack of consistency in her performances.

Why did Goodall miss out?

Right from the time Goodall donned the green and gold of the Proteas women, it was quite clear that the talent was there.

The left-handed batter brought power into the top order, skill and flair as she broke into the national team almost a decade ago.

As a result, when the 29-year-old’s name was nowhere to be seen in the Proteas women’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup squad, eyebrows were raised.

After all, Goodall has over 50 caps in One Day Internationals, an experience that is often invaluable in high-pressure tournaments such as the upcoming World Cup in India later this month.

However, a closer look at her numbers, particularly in ODI cricket, reveals that the left-handed batter missed out on merit.

Goodall hasn’t scored a 50-plus score in ODI cricket in over three years and averages a touch under 21 in over 50 caps, a set of stats that justifies as to why the experienced player isn’t in the World Cup squad.

Proteas women’s Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez, in an exclusive with SportsBoom.co.za, emphasised that the 29-year-old missed out on the World Cup squad because she lacks consistency.

Du Preez highlighted that Goodall has not taken advantage of the multiple opportunities she has received in the national side and that she needs to reward the team with consistent performances in the future.

Goodall was not the only one who missed out, as the young fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi also missed out narrowly from making the World Cup squad.

“It was very difficult. Between her and Ayanda Hlubi, they were the two difficult decisions we had,” Du Preez told SportsBoom.co.za.

“We enjoy variation upfront with the left-hand and right-hand combination, but Lara has just not been consistent enough over the last few tours."

"When we looked at it, the coach and myself we thought, you know what, let’s go with the players that are currently on form and are coming from good performances."

“With Lara, definitely, there’s always the potential. We’ve backed her for a long time in that top order, and we feel it’s time she needs to reward the batting line-up and the team with consistent performances."

“That is what is missing at the moment. She showed glimpses of her potential at the camp, which we were quite happy with."

“So, if she has a good domestic season here at home now, I think it would be a great opportunity for her to put her hand up again for future selection.”

Conversations with Goodall

The Convenor of Selectors, together with the head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, have the responsibility of delivering the heartbreaking news to the players.

Du Preez highlighted how tough the conversations were, as it is every player’s dream to represent their country in a World Cup competition.

He further emphasised that Mashimbyi already had conversations with the players and added that he intends to have more conversations with Goodall to further explain where she stands and what is required from her to get back into the national team.

“(With regard to the) conversations, it’s tough discussions because there is a sense of where they feel they need to be part of the squad. The coach and myself were very convinced that the consistency was the reason why (Goodall missed out),” said Du Preez.

“The coach already had the discussions with all the players, and I will further those discussions because she (Goodall) is based in Cape Town."

“I’ll set up another discussion with her to make her understand how important it is that consistency plays a part. Even from the domestic point of view, she needs to be more consistent to put pressure on us to try and include her in future tours.”

The Proteas Women’s team will depart for Pakistan on 11 September, where they will play a three-match ODI series before they switch their focus to the World Cup, as their first match of the showpiece event is scheduled for 03 October against England Women.