Dewald Brevis, the 22-year-old South African Batter, became the first foreign player to score a century in T20 Internationals against Australia in Australia. His unbeaten 125 run knock of just 56 balls, including 12 fours and 8 sixes in the 2nd T20, at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, propelled South Africa to its first victory against the Aussies after losing 6 matches on the trot to them.
The records notwithstanding, I was very pleased to see the innings unfold from Dewald Brevis. He was spectacular to say the least from the moment he scored his first boundary, a clinical straight drive. It was the best shot of the match, with class written all over it. Brevis looked so much like the legendary AB de Villiers. The stance, the bat lift, the movement of the blade, the timing, and the effortless stroke all resembled those of the great de Villiers.
Brevis had shown tremendous promise when he debuted for the Mumbai Indians at age 18. But unfortunately could not find a good run with the team and slowly receded into the background. For a year or two, nothing much was heard about him. Probably Brevis was going through the grind, finding himself and his self-belief.
I was relieved to see him bat for CSK in the IPL this year, where he played a couple of good knocks right at the end of the competition. He was then seen playing in the Proteas’ Test squad against Zimbabwe, where he gave a good account of himself and no wonder, the century yesterday against Australia has signalled Brevis’ arrival on the international scene.
Consistent performances though, would be the key for Brevis’ future. The talent is immense, but needs to be nurtured. He is a treasure of Cricket for South Africa, and the board should ensure that Brevis develops into a great player akin to AB de Villiers. His high-risk game needs to be tempered slightly by ensuring the right shot selection. Once that is set right, Brevis has the game, the skill, and immense power to take on any bowler in the game in all 3 formats.
Dewald Brevis, the Baby AB, has eventually come into reckoning. Hope he stays.