Brevis Set for ODI Debut as South Africa Announces Squad

South Africa has reinforced its team for the forthcoming three-game ODI series against Australia with the addition of young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka.

The 19-year-old left-arm quick was selected for the 17-man squad following an impressive showing in the recent T20I series against Australia. He secured nine wickets, making him the top wicket-taker in the three matches.

Maphaka, who has already participated in two ODIs, might play in the series opener in Cairns on Tuesday.

Additionally, promising batting talent Dewald Brevis is poised to make his highly anticipated ODI debut, encouraged by his excellent performance in the T20Is, even though South Africa lost the series 2-1.

For captain Temba Bavuma, this series marks his first competitive appearance since leading South Africa to their ICC World Test Championship victory in June. It also signifies his return from a hamstring injury he sustained during that final.

Bavuma stated before the series that he was “feeling good” and prepared to play again, adding that he would bat at No.3 in the first match, with Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram opening the batting.

From the Australian side, experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne has rejoined the team, returning after sitting out the recent Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh will continue to lead the team in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins.

Marsh, who led Australia to a 2-1 T20I series win against the Proteas, expressed confidence in maintaining that momentum in the 50-over format.

“Spending three and a half hours on the field will be a bit different for some of the guys,” Marsh commented.

“However, as a team, little changes. It’s merely a change in mindset for a different format, but the same procedures continue.”

The series kicks off in Cairns on Tuesday before heading to Mackay for the final two ODIs.

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