South Africa’s cricket team has announced the inclusion of 20-year-old talented batter, Dewald Brevis, in their men’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Brevis, who was the top run-getter at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022, has already showcased his skills in multiple franchise competitions, including the IPL, CPL, and MLC. This international call-up is a significant milestone in his career, providing him with an opportunity to prove his mettle on the biggest stage.
Brevis’ Selection for T20I and ODI Series
Brevis has been named in the squads for both the T20I and ODI series, which serve as South Africa’s final competitive outings before the World Cup in October-November. The intention behind his inclusion is to introduce him to the international cricket scene, rather than auditioning him for a specific spot in the World Cup team. South Africa’s coach, Rob Walter, confirmed during a press conference that Brevis would bat in the middle order, deviating from his usual opening position. The team management has no expectations of him other than allowing him to gradually settle into the senior team.
“It’s nice to be able to give him an opportunity. He is one of our up-and-coming youngsters. We want to just broaden our base a little bit, and this Australia series is an opportunity to give him a run,” Walter expressed. “I won’t be calling him Baby AB [de Villiers]. We will leave AB to be AB. He [Brevis] is a fairly grounded young guy. It’s just about creating an environment for him to express himself in.”
Keshav Maharaj’s Unexpected Recovery
While Brevis’ selection has garnered attention, all eyes are also on Keshav Maharaj, who has made an earlier-than-expected recovery from a ruptured Achilles. Maharaj suffered the injury during a Test match against West Indies in March and was initially expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year. However, his progress has been remarkable, leading to his inclusion in the squad. Walter expressed optimism about Maharaj’s recovery, stating, “He has done exceptionally well to this point. He is ahead of where we thought he would be, so things look positive. It’s difficult to guesstimate the last portion of his recovery and when he will be match-ready, but I am quietly hopeful he will be ready for those T20s.”
Maharaj’s inclusion in the squad for the second and third T20Is is dependent on his match fitness. The team management is hopeful that he will also participate in the ODIs leading up to the World Cup. South Africa intends to announce an initial World Cup squad on September 5, before the ODI series, with the ability to make changes to the group until September 27. It is likely that Maharaj, along with Tabraiz Shamsi and Bjorn Fortuin, will compete for the two spinners’ spots in the final fifteen.
Familiar Faces Dominate the ODI Squad
The bulk of South Africa’s ODI squad consists of familiar faces who have proven their worth in previous encounters. Players such as Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, and Kagiso Rabada, who participated in the MLC and, in Klaasen’s case, The Hundred, will be rested for the T20Is to ensure their optimal performance in the ODIs and the World Cup. “Ninety-five percent of our squad is tried and tested,” Walter commented. “And then there is potentially an opportunity for a younger flair.”
Newcomers in the T20I Squad
The T20I squad sees the introduction of several newcomers, particularly in the batting line-up. Alongside Dewald Brevis, two uncapped batters, Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira, have been included. Breetzke provides top-order cover, while Ferreira adds to the middle-order options. The wicketkeeping role for the T20Is will be contested between Breetzke, Ferreira, and Tristan Stubbs, all of whom are part of the team management’s future plans.
“We’re going to give guys opportunities, and we might spread the load a little bit,” Walter confirmed. “Donovan was involved in a lot of league cricket. One of the areas in our batting we want to pay attention to is the ability to finish and clear the rope, so that’s why he is in. Matthew is top-order cover. All the coaches on my support staff, as well as Shukri Conrad, the red-ball coach, speak very highly of him.”
A Chance for Gerald Coetzee’s T20I Debut
Gerald Coetzee, who has previously represented South Africa in Tests and ODIs, is yet to make his T20I debut. However, there is a possibility of his inclusion in the T20I squad as a new bowler. The T20I squad also marks the return of Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, who were dropped for the home T20Is against West Indies earlier this year. Walter explained, “When they were left out, it was a performance-based thing, but I was also specific in saying it’s our job to get them back in. Rassie has been at the Global T20 in Canada, and Temba was working hard here. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to show they are able to maneuver their games and grow.”
Preparation and Training Camps
South Africa’s team has not played any cricket since their World Cup Super League series against Netherlands, which concluded on April 2. To prepare for the upcoming series against Australia, the ODI squad will assemble next Monday for a three-day cohesion camp in the Kruger National Park. The training for both the T20I and ODI squads will commence on August 24, with the first match against Australia scheduled for August 30.
“Our guys are playing in five or six different environments throughout the year, so the camp is about creating a platform for our players to connect with each other. When pressure moments arrive, it’s our connection with each other that is going to hold us up,” Walter emphasized, acknowledging that the limited game time leading up to the World Cup is not ideal. “You are never going to replicate World Cup pressure in the nets, but we are trying our best to get there. We speak of trying to create the right environment that has got a bit of an edge to it. Still, it’s always a tough one.”
Overall, the inclusion of Dewald Brevis and the potential return of Keshav Maharaj have brought excitement and anticipation to South Africa’s squad for the white-ball series against Australia. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team aims to build momentum and test their strategies ahead of the upcoming World Cup.