Key Points

South Africa has included teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka in their ODI squad following his standout T20I performances. Dewald Brevis is poised for his ODI debut after dominating the T20I series with 180 runs. Skipper Temba Bavuma returns from injury, ready to lead the Proteas in their first ODI series since their World Test Championship win. Australia brings back Marnus Labuschagne as both teams prepare for a competitive three-match series.

Key Points: Kwena Maphaka Joins Proteas ODI Squad as Brevis Eyes Debut

  • Kwena Maphaka earns ODI call-up after T20I success
  • Dewald Brevis set for ODI debut after explosive T20I form
  • Temba Bavuma returns from injury for Australia series
  • Australia welcomes back Marnus Labuschagne for ODI clashes
3 min read

Proteas add young pacer to squad as ODI debut looms for Brevis

Teen pacer Kwena Maphaka added to South Africa's ODI squad against Australia while Dewald Brevis nears debut after stellar T20I performances.

"It is always exciting when you see the young faces. – Temba Bavuma"

Cairns, August 18

Teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka has been added to South Africa's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting from Tuesday onwards.

Maphaka earns a place in the 17-player ODI squad on the back of some impressive performances during the recent T20I series with the Aussies, where the left-armer collected nine scalps to finish as the leading wicket-taker across the series, including a four-wicket haul, as per ICC.

The 19-year-old could be in contention to add to his two ODI caps during the series with Australia that commences in Cairns on Tuesday, with in-form batter Dewald Brevis almost certain to win an ODI debut following some superb efforts in the 20-over series that the Aussies won 2-1.

Brevis managed a series-best 180 runs across the three matches (including a century and fifty each) at an average of 90 and strike rate in excess of 200, and South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma admitted he had been impressed with the efforts of the 22-year-old.

"It is always exciting when you see the young faces," Bavuma said as quoted by ICC.

"Obviously, the big talk has been on Brevis; he has been putting up his hand and showing what he is capable of. I am excited to see what he can also bring within the one-day stuff," he added.

For Bavuma, the ODI series in Australia will mark his first competitive contest since he led South Africa to their first ICC World Test Championship title in June and will also serve as his first test on the hamstring injury he picked up from the same match.

Bavuma said his hamstring was 'feeling good' ahead of his return, and the South African skipper also confirmed he would bat at number three for the opening match of the three-game series behind openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram.

Australia welcome experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne back into their squad after he was dropped for the recent Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, with Mitch Marsh filling in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is absent.

Marsh helped Australia register the 2-1 triumph over South Africa during the T20I series and is hoping for more of the same during the 50-over matches.

"Getting ready to spend three and a half hours in the field will be a little bit different for a few of the boys," Marsh said.

"But as a group and as a whole, nothing really changes. There is a bit of a mindset change, it is obviously different format. But the same stuff rolls on," he added.

The opening match of the three-game series will be held in Cairns on Tuesday, with the series then switching to Mackay for the final two clashes.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm always interested in seeing new talent emerge globally. Maphaka's left-arm pace could be interesting - we need more quality left-armers in world cricket.
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Aman W
Good to see Labuschagne back for Australia. His technique reminds me of Dravid ji. Hope Bavuma's hamstring holds up - injuries at crucial times can be so frustrating for players.
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Shreya B
Brevis' strike rate of 200+ is insane! But ODI is different ball game. Hope he adjusts well. We need strong competition in world cricket - makes tournaments more exciting for fans like us.
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Karthik V
Honestly, I feel SA should focus more on test cricket after their WTC win. ODI series right after seems rushed. But I understand they need to develop young players for all formats.
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Nisha Z
Watching young talents like Maphaka and Brevis makes me nostalgic for when Kohli and Rohit were new! Hope they get proper guidance - too much pressure too soon can ruin careers.

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