‘Baby AB’ Dewald Brevis takes to the international stage as South Africa takes on Australia | Cricket News

Dewald Brevis will take a step onto the big stage of cricket during Australia's white-ball tour of South Africa, which begins on Wednesday with the first of three Twenty20 internationals in Kingsmead. Brevis, 20, earned the nickname “Baby AB” for modeling his game on former South African star AB de Villiers. He wears the same number 17 on his jersey and has the ability to hit big sixes, particularly in the area between midwicket and the long-on. He hit a South African T20 record 162 from 57 in a domestic game last October but has yet to have enduring success for franchise teams in four countries.

Brevis is expected to make his international debut in the T20 series and must live up to early career hype to secure a ticket to the 50-overs Cricket World Cup in India in October and November.

Brevis is part of an 18-man squad for a day-long, five-game international series that follows the T20. Only 15 players will go to the World Cup.

“I know there will always be expectations,” he said. “The pressure is always there. I feel the pressure but I like it. I just want people to get to know me as Dewald Brevis and see how I get things done.”

Several other players from both sides will also be interested in asserting their claims to the World Cup.

Australia's leading fast bowlers will miss the T20 series, giving newcomer Spencer Johnson, along with Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis, an opportunity to make their mark in the shorter games before becoming part of the one-day series.

Australia batsman Travis Head said Monday that Johnson deserved his pick after injuries hampered him early in his career.

“He bowls at high speed and swings the ball. He can be a match winner.”

All-rounder Aaron Hardie will want to make the most of his first international nomination.

22-year-old South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has quickly made a name for himself and will make his T20 international debut after participating in two test matches and two one-day internationals.

The white ball series offers the hard-hitting Tristan Stubbs a chance to secure a place in the World Cup.

Matthew Wade was a late replacement in Australia's T20 squad after Glenn Maxwell suffered an ankle injury in training in Durban.

International T20 squad:

South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams, Rassie van der Dussen.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Furnishing:

30 August, first T20 international, Durban

1 September, second T20 international, Durban

3 September, third T20 international, Durban

September 7th, First One-Day International Tournament, Bloemfontein

9 September, second one-day international, Bloemfontein

September 12, Third One-Day International Tournament, Potchefstroom

15 September, fourth one-day international, Centurion

17 September, Fifth one-day international, Johannesburg

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