South African cricket fans, brace yourselves—the kids are a’comin’. The Proteas have shaken things up going into the Australia limited-overs series by including two players that all cricket fans have been talking about: Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka. Brevis has just finished a sensational T20I series where he scored 180 runs at a strike rate over 200, and he is highly likely to feature on his ODI debut. On the other hand, teenage Left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka continues to rise the ranks to potentially earn a second call-up after putting Aussie batters on scouter under pressure in the T20 format. To top it all off, Temba Bavuma returns from injury, so it seems like the series between young and experienced players will make it interesting.
Brevis: Baby AB No More
For many years, Dewald Brevis has been labeled ‘Baby AB’ – a label that is flattering but also a little unfair. Now, if the recent T20Is are anything to go off, he is ready to forge his path. Dewald Brevis – and possibly no player in the T20 era has dominated world-class bowlers as Brevis did recently against Australia. An average of 90 over three matches virtually confirms that he achieved runs, but his fearless, clean stroke play inevitably suggested domination. The spotlight now shifts to whether his skills will translate effectively in the ODI game. Bavuma has confirmed he will bat at No.3, so South Africa’s batters will allow Brevis a fair amount of leeway in the middle overs. If he continues to play with the same freedom, there is a good chance a Brevis storm will hit the Australians again.
Maphaka’s Meteoric Rise
While the vast majority of 19-year-olds are either losing themselves in their academic programme or binge-watching their way through every season of a Netflix series every weekend, Kwena Maphaka is breaking stumps, leading the wickets column in the T20I against Australia. His nine wickets in the T20I series were more than just mere numbers; they were statements. A left-armer is hard currency in world cricket, and Maphaka gives a different angle and aggression, at serious pace. Adding to the reliability of Rabada and Ngidi, Maphaka offers a youthful spark that can unsettle opponents. Just imagine, 19 years old and sharing the new ball with Rabada could be as close as job perfection comes.
Bavuma’s Balancing Act
Skipper Temba Bavuma has been relatively quiet since returning from South Africa’s scintillating World Test Championship title win, but after some hamstring concerns, he appears to have shaken off the effects and immediately confirmed at No.3. The No.3 position is vital, as they cannot rely on the magic of Brevis or the raw pace of Maphaka. Bavuma, occupying one of those positions, gives maximum coverage for Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, where he can stabilise the innings and build partnerships that allow the younger players to play freely. Think of Bavuma occupying the role of a historically responsible older brother, who ensures the kids remain under control and don’t start setting fire to the place.
Far from being just another series, this ODI battle in Australia doubles as an early preview of South Africa’s next generation. Brevis is ready to announce himself on the 50-over stage, Maphaka puts another mark every time he plays, and Bavuma is there to steady them. A dynamic of youth and experience could be just what the Proteas need to put some consistency into their white-ball cricket.
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