Teenage Quick Joins South Africa Squad as Brevis Eyes ODI Debut
Maphaka Rewarded for Strong T20I Series
South Africa has drafted teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka into their 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI cricket series against Australia. The left-arm quick impressed in the recent T20I clashes, claiming nine wickets to finish as the leading bowler across both sides.
At just 19, Maphaka could feature again in Cairns on Tuesday when the series begins, adding to his two ODI appearances. Meanwhile, batting prodigy Dewald Brevis looks set for his 50-over debut after dominating the T20I leg against the Aussies.
Brevis in Red-Hot Form
The 22-year-old Brevis topped the run charts in the three-match series with 180 runs at an average of 90 and a strike rate above 200. His consistency and flair have caught the attention of skipper Temba Bavuma, who is eager to see how the youngster adapts to the one-day cricket format.
“It’s always exciting when you see the young faces,” Bavuma said. “The big talk has been on Brevis. He’s put up his hand and shown what he is capable of. I’m excited to see what he brings to ODIs as well.”
Bavuma Returns from Injury
For Bavuma, the tour marks his first assignment since leading South Africa to their maiden ICC World Test Championship title in June. It also serves as a comeback from the hamstring injury sustained in that final. The captain confirmed he feels fully fit and will slot in at No.3 behind openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram.
Australia Bolstered by Labuschagne
Australia, meanwhile, has welcomed back experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne after he was overlooked for the recent West Indies Test series. Mitch Marsh continues as stand-in skipper in the absence of Pat Cummins, having guided Australia to a 2-1 victory in the T20I leg.
Marsh acknowledged the shift in intensity between formats but believes the squad is ready for the challenge. “Spending three and a half hours in the field will be different for a few of the boys,” he said. “But as a group, nothing changes. It’s just a mindset shift.”
Series Schedule and Squads
The opening ODI will be staged in Cairns on Tuesday, with Mackay hosting the final two matches of the series.
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen