The regular captain, Dané van Niekerk, was excluded from the squad that will be targeting a first senior World Cup title.

The all-rounder didn't make the cut after failing to meet the minimum fitness requirements.

This means that she will miss out on a second World Cup since fracturing her ankle in a freak accident while at home.

The last time Van Niekerk represented South Africa was in September 2021 against the West Indies in a T20 International.

The Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez, said they explored all avenues to help Van Niekerk pass her fitness test, but a tough call had to be made in order to remain consistent.

"Dané was given an extensive opportunity to meet the minimum criteria, or fitness benchmark, for eligibility in the World Cup," said Du Preez.

"She recently did another fitness test and unfortunately did not meet the minimum criteria, and therefore she's missed out.

"It's purely based on her not meeting the fitness criteria that she missed out.

"Dané has been an integral part of the team. Her skill set will always be missed on the field. We've had this discussion with her.

"We've repeatedly reminded her of this, and we appreciate the effort she's put in to try to reach the fitness levels."

"It's about remaining consistent with our decisions. Many other players have gone down this route. Everyone is quite familiar with the situation and what is required."

The opening game of the World Cup will be on 10 February between the Proteas and Sri Lanka at Newlands.

Proteas World Cup squad - Suné Luus (Titans) (Captain), Chloé Tryon (Dolphins) (Vice-Captain), Anneke Bosch (North West Dragons), Tazmin Brits (Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (Western Province), Shabnim Ismail (Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (Western Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas (North West Dragons), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Delmi Tucker (Western Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek