South African and Mumbai Indians’ 21-year-old Dewald Brevis, known as “Baby AB” for his similarity to the legendary AB de Villiers, has received his first Test call-up for the series against Bangladesh. However, South Africa face a setback as captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Dhaka due to a muscle strain, though he will still travel with the squad.
This Test call-up is a significant step forward for Brevis, who has already represented South Africa in T20Is. He recently stood out for South Africa A in an unofficial Test against Sri Lanka, scoring 49 and 74. While more senior players are ahead of him in the Test lineup, coach Shukri Conrad believes that travelling with the team will be a great learning experience for the young Titans star, even if he doesn’t make the playing XI.
“I thought it would be a great learning for him. Obviously people would say what has he done to deserve that, but I would rather expose him to this environment.”
“I know what he is capable of. Whether he is a generational talent … some might say yes, and others might say no … I think he is an exceptional talent.”
South Africa will play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will begin on October 21 in Dhaka, followed by the second in Chittagong from October 29.
South Africa squad for the Test series against Bangladesh:
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.
