De Klerk can consider herself unlucky not to have been selected for the recent ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, but she sees the tour to the Emerald Isles as an opportunity to establish herself as key member of the squad.

During Friday’s 10-run defeat to the Irish, De Klerk took 1 for 17 in her allotted 4 overs, while with the bat she scored 12 not out.

De Klerk said she just wants to help the team change their fortunes.

“I'm obviously happy with my personal performance, but it doesn't really help if you're on the losing side, I guess.

“I'm really just glad and happy to be here and be back in the T20 side. I haven't played a T20 in quite a few months.

“I'm just happy to be back in the playing eleven and to be able to contribute to the team.

“Hopefully in the next couple of games we can turn the results around be on the winning side.”

Monday’s 2nd T20I at Pembroke gets underway at 17:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport