Proteas Test Series: Shukri Conrad Selects Dewald Brevis For Bangladesh Tour. The South African national cricket team, known as the Proteas, is gearing up for a pivotal two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to take place from October 21, 2024. As part of the team’s preparations, Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad has made a significant decision, calling up young cricket sensation Dewald Brevis as cover for the injured captain Temba Bavuma. This move has sparked interest and debate among fans and experts, considering Brevis’ relatively limited experience in red-ball cricket. However, Conrad’s vision for Brevis’ role in the team provides insight into the strategy the Proteas are employing for this critical series, particularly in terms of balancing youth and experience. This long-form article delves deep into the reasons behind Brevis’ selection, the state of the squad, and how South Africa is preparing for the challenge posed by Bangladesh.
The Rise of Dewald Brevis: A Talented Prospect
At just 21 years old, Dewald Brevis has been hailed as one of the brightest talents in South African cricket. Known for his explosive performances in T20 cricket, Brevis earned the nickname “Baby AB” due to his resemblance in playing style to the legendary AB de Villiers. While his prowess in limited-overs cricket has been well documented, Brevis is now being groomed for the longer format of the game, with coach Shukri Conrad keen to broaden his horizons in Test cricket.
Brevis has only played 12 First-Class matches, but his ability to handle spin bowling and his powerful hitting ability have caught the attention of selectors. His performances in global T20 leagues and his recent outings for South Africa A have further cemented his reputation as a player with immense potential. Brevis’ inclusion in the squad for the Bangladesh Test series comes after he scored 49 and 74 in an unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, demonstrating his ability to perform in red-ball cricket.
Shukri Conrad Vision: Expanding Brevis’ Game
Shukri Conrad, who took over as Proteas Test coach earlier this year, has been vocal about his intention to develop Brevis into a well-rounded player. In an interview ahead of the team’s departure to Bangladesh, Conrad explained his decision to call up Brevis despite his limited experience in Test cricket.
“I think he is an exceptional talent,” said Conrad. “New Zealand have carved up a niche for them with Glenn Phillips, an attacking player who comes in at No. 7 or No. 8 and bowls some off-spin. Dewald Brevis can bowl some handy leg-spin and he is one of the best players of spin going around. He also has a power game to match.”
Conrad emphasized that while Brevis may not feature in the playing XI during the series, the experience of touring with the Test side will be invaluable for the young player’s development.
“I thought it would be a great learning experience for him,” Conrad continued. “Obviously, people would say what has he done to deserve that, but I would rather expose him to this environment.”
Injury Woes and Selection Dilemmas
The Proteas head into the Bangladesh series with a few injury concerns, most notably the absence of captain Temba Bavuma. Bavuma, who sustained a muscle strain in his left arm during the ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, will miss the first Test in Dhaka. Although he will travel with the squad, Bavuma’s availability for the second Test in Chittagong remains uncertain.
In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram will captain the side. Markram’s leadership in recent times has been steady, and his experience in the subcontinent will be crucial as South Africa face a formidable Bangladesh side. With Bavuma sidelined, the Proteas will have to make key decisions regarding their batting lineup. Coach Conrad has hinted at potential changes, including the possibility of David Bedingham moving up to No. 4 in the batting order.
Another option for the middle-order is Ryan Rickelton, who brings a left-handed batting option to the team. Conrad’s focus on left-right batting combinations could play a pivotal role in determining the lineup, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in Bangladesh.
The Importance of All-Rounders in Bangladesh Conditions
South Africa’s tour of Bangladesh comes at a crucial time in their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. With a place in the WTC final up for grabs, the Proteas must secure victories in five of their remaining six Tests. The slow and turning pitches in Bangladesh present a unique challenge, and coach Conrad has prioritized the inclusion of all-rounders in the squad to ensure balance in both batting and bowling.
Wiaan Mulder, who impressed during the West Indies tour earlier this year, is expected to play a key role in the series, regardless of the conditions. Mulder’s ability to bowl medium pace and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset in Bangladesh, where seamers typically struggle, and spinners dominate.
Another all-rounder making a return to the Test squad is Senuran Muthusamy. The left-arm spinner has played three Tests for South Africa, with his last appearance coming against the West Indies in March 2023. With conditions in Dhaka and Chittagong likely to favor spinners, Muthusamy is expected to compete for a spot in the playing XI alongside Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt, both of whom have been key figures in South Africa’s spin department.
Conrad’s decision to include Muthusamy in the squad reflects the Proteas’ strategic approach to Bangladesh’s conditions. The slow and low wickets in the subcontinent can be difficult to navigate, and South Africa will likely field three spinners to counter Bangladesh’s strong batting lineup, led by Shakib Al Hasan.
Fast Bowling Options: Rabada Leads the Charge
While the emphasis will be on spin in Bangladesh, South Africa’s fast-bowling unit remains a vital component of their strategy. Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, will lead the pace attack, supported by Nandre Burger and veteran seamer Dane Paterson. Rabada’s ability to generate pace and reverse swing on subcontinent pitches will be crucial, especially with the old ball.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder provides an additional seam option, giving the Proteas flexibility in their bowling attack. The team is likely to play a maximum of three seamers, with Rabada, Mulder, and either Burger or Paterson making up the pace trio. The final decision will depend on the pitch conditions in Dhaka and Chittagong, but Conrad has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt.
“We will wait until we get over there [to make a call on the line-up]. It will be determined around the balance of our attack … if we play three seamers and two spinners or two seamers and three spinners,” Conrad explained. “Going into the winter season there, the wickets could be slightly more seamer-friendly, but generally in Dhaka, they want it to spin anyway.”
Bangladesh: A Formidable Opponent on Home Soil
While South Africa has historically dominated Bangladesh in Test cricket, the current Bangladesh team is vastly different from the side that struggled in the early 2000s. Under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan and Mominul Haque, Bangladesh has grown into a confident team, especially at home. In recent years, they have secured series victories against the likes of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and they will be eager to extend their dominance on spin-friendly pitches.
The Proteas will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge presented by Bangladesh. Spin is expected to play a significant role in the series, and South Africa’s ability to combat Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Shakib and Taijul Islam, will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the matches.
The Road Ahead
As the Proteas embark on this important tour, their sights are firmly set on qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship. Victory in Bangladesh would significantly boost their chances, but with tough series against India and New Zealand to follow, South Africa will need to maintain their momentum and secure wins across all conditions.
Shukri Conrad’s leadership, combined with the experience of senior players like Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, and the potential of emerging talents like Dewald Brevis, gives the Proteas a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level. However, the unpredictability of the subcontinent presents a unique challenge, and the Proteas must be prepared for the twists and turns that await them in Bangladesh.
Conclusion
As the Proteas gear up for their crucial Test series against Bangladesh, the stakes could not be higher. With the added pressure of securing their spot in the World Test Championship final, South Africa must rise to the challenge posed by a confident Bangladesh team on home soil. The inclusion of young talent like Dewald Brevis, along with experienced players such as Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, reflects coach Shukri Conrad’s strategy of blending youth with experience to tackle the unpredictable conditions of the subcontinent.
