Australia warmed up for the Commonwealth Games with a tri series in Ireland ©Getty Images

South Africa’s cricketers have been dealt another huge blow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games after head coach Hilton Moreeng confirmed that star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will remain in South Africa after her brother-in-law suffered serious injuries in an accident.

Kapp returned home last week before the Twenty20 series against England.

South Africa are already without inspirational leader Dane Van Niekerk who failed in her bid to recover from a long-term injury. 

Meanwhile captain Suné Luus and fast bowler Shabnim Ismail are both set to return for their opening match against New Zealand after missing the final match of the T20 series against England.

This is the first time that women’s cricket has been included in the Commonwealth Games.

Eight teams are set to compete in the tournament which begins with two preliminary groups at Edgbaston, a famous Test cricket ground which staged the first women’s World Cup final in 1973.

"The international community is here en masse, it is going to be a definite highlight," Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief executive Katie Sadleir said.

A star-studded Australian side are set to open the competition against India tomorrow morning.

The Cricket competition runs until Sunday August 7 ©Birmingham 2022
The Cricket competition runs until Sunday August 7 ©Birmingham 2022

All-rounder Ellyse Perry is likely to restricted to a batting-only role as she continues her recovery from a back injury, but the Australians will be among the favourites.

India’s squad needed last-minute adjustment after all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar stayed behind in India due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Sabbhineni Meghana, who had also been forced to remain at home. is making a last-minute dash to join up with the team before the opening match.

Pakistan, who have twice won Asian Games gold, begin against Barbados later the same day.

They prepared with a tri series in Ireland along with Australia, but were hampered by rain which forced an abandonment and a washout.

Host nation England, led by World Cup-winning captain Heather Knight, complete the first round of group matches against Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 30).

England’s squad controversially does not feature Tammy Beaumont but includes Freya Kemp and Alice Capsey - both 17.

The top two in each group advance to the semi-finals on August 6.

The cricket final is part of what organisers are billing as "Super Sunday" on the following day.