CSK's 21-Year-Old Star Gets His Test Moment As SA RevealXI For 1st ZIM Test

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 10:09:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-28 08:22:35

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One of the youngest players in the South African squad, Dewald Brevis, is set to become the youngest cricketer to make his Test debut for the country since AB de Villiers in 2004. Brevis, 21, will enter the record books if he takes the field against Zimbabwe on June 28.

While other senior players rest ahead of a busy summer, Keshav Maharaj will lead a young, relatively inexperienced side for the two-Test series. With the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Temba Bavuma given a break, the visitors will be led by captain Brendan Taylor. The opening Test will be held at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

The news should come as a boost to Brevis, who was released by new Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni towards the business end of the IPL 2022 season. The right-hander scored 186 runs in 11 matches for the franchise.

Speaking to the media, selection panel convenor Victor Mpitsang said that the decision to select Brevis was a "straightforward" one.

"Dewald has been part of our strategic thinking for some time and it's gratifying to see a player of his potential and work ethic rewarded with a place in the SA A squad and now the Proteas team," said Mpitsang.

The young gun will be joined by another promising talent in Gerald Coetzee, who has been impressive for the SA U19 side and domestic giants Titans.

These inclusions will give the South African team management plenty of options as they begin to build their squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup, to be held in India.

Only time will tell if Brevis' international career will emulate his namesake, the great Graeme Pollock, or if he will etch out a reputation of his own.

All-rounder Maharaj says he is "hugely excited" about the young squad, saying they have "huge amounts of skill, talent, and ambition."

The experienced campaigner added, "We know that Zimbabwe will provide us with a strong challenge and tactical battle, one that we are ready for and excited about."

Only time will tell if the young South African side can overcome a seasoned Zimbabwean team, led by one of their most successful captains in Taylor.

The second Test will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Pretoria, starting on July 6.

Go!