Over the years the Under-19 World Cup has produced some of the bright stars of the cricketing world. South Africa's Dewald Brevis is another one of those rising stars, who has hit the ground running. The 18-year-old, who idolises former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, opened up on how he picked his jersey no.17 after a conversation with the legend himself.
“He (AB de Villiers) is a legend and one of the best in the whole world. I like being compared to him but I would like to have my own identity as Dewald Brevis,” the youngster said in a video posted by International Cricket Council (ICC) on their website.
“At first I was overwhelmed, I couldn’t get a word out. I just sat there and listened to him. As the relationship grew, it became easier to speak to him. AB was always my role model,” he added.
The right-handed batter has been a sensation so far in the U-19 World Cup, where he is the highest run-scorer with 362 runs in four innings. His scores of 104, 97, 96 and 65 have led to comparison with former great De Villiers. Brevis, who with his batting display is considered an heir to Mr. 360 with the top form, has attracted the attention of cricketing fraternity.
“He wore the number 17 jersey. I just looked up to that. Then I asked AB if I can carry that number 17 on my back and then he said “You’re welcome”. So it’s a big honour for me to wear that jersey,” Brevis concluded.
The Johannesburg-born star was unlucky to have missed out on hundreds against England and Ireland, but that hasn't stopped him from catching the headlines. His batting average speaks volumes with an astonishing 90.50. Early signs suggest that the numbers will only get better.
The 18-year-old would be slightly disappointed though, as his team exited the competition at the quarter-final stage, losing to England by six wickets. But his performances have already captured the eyes of selectors and it now remains to be seen how he performs on the domestic circuit, before earning an international call-up. Perhaps an outside chance for an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract also remains a possibility for the youngster.
