Ongama Gcwabe
WHEN a teenager is as skilful with the bat as Dewald Brevis was during his record-breaking Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago, it is easy to understand why his skill and potential with ball in hand was under-appreciated.
While the world was in awe of the 500-plus runs the youngster scored during those six World Cup games, they forgot to take note of the 215 deliveries that he bowled in returning seven wickets while conceding a healthy 5.58 runs per over.
Many failed to notice that the leg-spinner bowled 13 overs more than the now highly rated Kwena Maphaka during that World Cup, painting a vivid picture of just how reliable Brevis’ bowling was.
Two years later and now on the verge of breaking into the Proteas set-up, many speak very little of Brevis’ potential as a wrist spinner.
However, the youngster still rates his leg spin very highly and the figures of 4-46 that he returned in the third unofficial ODI against Sri Lanka ‘A’ a week ago suggest that he is onto something.
Even the national coaches believe that Brevis has a future as an all-rounder and continue to encourage the youngster to keep honing his bowling craft to put himself in a better position to play for South Africa.
“We’ve had a lot of chats (with Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter) about me continuing to develop my bowling skills,” Brevis told Independent Newspapers.
“To be honest, since I can remember I’ve always been an all-rounder but there was a stage in my young professional career where I wasn’t backed that much with the ball.
“So, recognising that, I’ve bowled thousands of balls in the nets over the last few years. I wish I did get more bowling opportunities. I’m ready to get opportunities because bowling is a part of me.”
Even for a batting prodigy like Brevis, there are boxes that he still needs to tick in domestic cricket to challenge for spots in the national team. The 21-year-old understands that he needs to show more consistency across all formats to fulfil his dream of being an all-format Proteas player in the future.
Despite watching his U19 teammates Maphaka and Andile Simelane receive national call-ups, Brevis believes that he is not too far from breaking into the Proteas team once again, having played two T20 matches a little over a year ago.
“Where I am now, I know it’s very close, around the corner. I’ll keep working hard. It’s all about that one knock and I know many more will follow. I only need to stay patient and keep doing what I need to do,” said Brevis.
“It’s whatever it takes to get the green and gold. It’s very close to my heart to be a Protea. I’ve shown people what I can do with the bat but I just want to do it consistently.
“I want to play Test cricket and be the all-rounder for South Africa in the future across all three formats.”
Despite not being part of the playing XI in the ongoing first unofficial Test between South Africa ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Kimberley, Brevis is part of the squad.
With one more unofficial Test remaining in the A-series, the youngster will have an opportunity to further develop himself and prove to the national coaches that he is ready to move up to the Proteas.