Follow UsDewald Brevis is just 20, but he is one of the biggest names in South African cricket at the moment. There were huge cries over the youngster's inclusion in the 2022 T20 World Cup Down Under, but the Proteas pressed upon experience as a factor and left the youngster back home.
But with consistent displays worldwide, Brevis finally earned himself a call-up to the national squad for the upcoming three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia at home. The right-hander was the top run-getter in the U-19 World Cup back in 2022 and, since then, has been a force to reckon with, at least in the shortest formats of the game.
South Africa’s coach Rob Walter is excited about the possibility of Brevis making his debut against Australia. Not just that, the coach also insisted that the management has identified him as someone who can add firepower to the Proteas batting unit, which has been a lacking factor since AB de Villiers’ retirement.
"We've identified him as someone who we would like to develop his finishing skills. He plays spin well, and we know that guys who bat in those positions are going to be exposed to the best spinners. We also want to give firepower to the death phase of our batting,” Walter said, reported Cricbuzz.
"He's a young guy who doesn't get flapped by much. He's fairly grounded. You can expect a young guy like him to knock his head a couple of times as he manages his way through international cricket. I'm looking forward to give him a platform and an opportunity to express himself and show what he's capable of."
Not just Brevis, Tristan Stubbs also has an opportunity to seal a place for himself in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Walter added that there’s an opportunity for the younger guys in the squad to showcase their skills.
"There's water to pass under the bridge before the final squad is announced. We wanted our last camp and the T20 series to roll out before we finalise that squad. Anything can happen in that time. Ninety-five percent of it is tried and tested, and then there's an opportunity for younger flair,” he added.
Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have all been rested from the three-match T20I series against Australia. Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Lizaad Williams, and the likes of Coetzee will get game time to prove their worth.
"Not everyone's going to get an opportunity," Walter said. "It's more about giving the younger guys a chance to get international experience under the belt. We have an idea of what the other guys have to offer. You can never give guys enough chances but we're planning to give as many as we can to the guys who need them."