South Africa lose Kapp for Test against Australia

South Africa have lost star allrounder Marizanne Kapp to illness for the women’s Test against Australia at the WACA Ground.

Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first on a day when the mercury is forecast to reach 43 degrees.

The home side welcomed back Sophie Molineux after more than two years out of the national side due to an ACL injury.

But the biggest news on Thursday morning was the absence of Kapp, who had been missing from training in the lead-up to the game.

“Unfortunately Kappy’s not feeling very well,” South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said.

“She’s been exceptional for us with bat and ball, it’s a huge loss for us. But we’re still looking forward to the game.

“It’s a very big loss for us, but hopefully we’ll be able to put up a decent total today.”

Sophie Molineux returns to Australia’s Test team after a two-year absence. (Jason O’BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia captain Alyssa Healy was thrilled to see Molineux back.

“It’s hugely exciting after a couple of years out,” Healy said.

“She’s just slotted back in really easily. She looks in a great place with her cricket at the moment, so I’m excited to see her in her baggy green today.”

The match marks the first women’s Test between Australia and South Africa.

Despite the scorching conditions forecast for the opening day, Healy jumped at the chance to bowl first on a green-tinged WACA wicket.

“It looks like to get the best out of the bowling conditions, it’s going to be early this morning,” Healy told Channel 7.

“A bit of grass on the wicket, which is great. And hopefully it just flattens out as the Test match goes on.”

Australia won the T20 and ODI series 2-1, meaning they need only a draw in the Test in order to win the entire series.

If South Africa win the Test, the series will be drawn.

Australia: Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy (capt), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Darcie Brown.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Delmari Tucker, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayanda Hlubi